New Zealand

What are some of the names used to refer to New Zealand?

New Zealand is commonly known as Aotearoa (in Māori, meaning 'the land of the long white cloud'), as well as the Shaky Isles, Kiwiland, Maoriland, and Quaky Isles.

What is the location of New Zealand?

New Zealand is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean. It is located 2,000 km south east of Australia, lying midway between the Equator and the South Pole. The Tasman Sea separates Australia and New Zealand.

What is the total area of New Zealand and how does it compare in size to other countries?

New Zealand encompasses a total area of 270,467 square kilometers, which is comparable in size to countries such as Japan or Italy and slightly larger than Great Britain. The country's total length measures approximately 1,600 kilometers, with a maximum width of around 450 kilometers. Due to its expansive coastline, stretching about 5,600 kilometers, no location within New Zealand is further than 120 kilometers away from the ocean.

What are the main islands of New Zealand and their geographical features?

New Zealand consists of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island, which are separated by the Cook Strait, measuring 20 km at its narrowest point. Collectively, these islands form the surface of Zealandia, a mostly submerged continent. Additionally, Stewart Island is situated 30 km south of the South Island and has a small resident population of over 400. The Chatham Islands, located 800 km east of the South Island, host around 600 inhabitants, 59% of whom are Māori. Historically, the Cook Islands and Niue Islands were part of New Zealand until they became self-governing in 1965 and 1974, respectively; however, the inhabitants retain New Zealand citizenship.

What does the Realm of New Zealand comprise?

New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue (island), Tokelau (some coral atolls), and the Ross Dependency, a region in Antarctica.

Which countries does New Zealand share maritime borders with?

American Samoa (US), Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Samoa and Tonga.

What are the spoken languages in New Zealand?

English and Māori.

What seismic belt is New Zealand part of?

the Ring of Fire — the circum-Pacific seismic belt marked by frequent earthquakes and considerable volcanic activity.

Which towns were devastated by earthquakes in New Zealand?

Napier and Hastings in 1931 and a series of quakes that did likewise in Christchurch in 2010-2011.

With what is covered in the center of the North Island, and what is its highest mountain?

The center of the North island is covered with the Volcanic Plateau with three active volcanoes. One of them is Mount Ruapehu, the highest point on the island (2.7 km).

What geographical features are found at the northern end of the plateau?

The northern extremity of the Volcanic Plateau is known for its geothermal activity, including geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and steaming lakes.

What are the two plains in the North Island?

The North Island of New Zealand is home to two major plains: Taranaki and Waikato. Taranaki is known for its dairy farming. The Waikato region is renowned for having the most fertile and productive farmland in the country.

What is the longest river in New Zealand and where does it flow?

The Waikato River, which is 435 km long, flows across the North Island, enters Lake Taupo, and eventually flows to the Tasman Sea.

What is the largest lake in New Zealand?

Lake Taupo, 600 sq km.

What mountain range runs 500 km along the length of the South Island? What is the highest point?

The Southern Alps, where the highest peak of New Zealand, Mount Cook (Aoraki), at 3,700 meters, is located.

What is located to the east of the Southern Alps?

The Canterbury Plains, New Zealand's most extensive lowland, about 160 km long and 65 km wide. Today it is the country's chief grain-growing area.

What are the characteristics of the western slopes of the Alps?

The western slopes of the Alps are heavily forested, rainy, and rugged.

What are the long inlets of the sea along the southwest coast of the South Island called?

They are called fiords.

Which river in New Zealand has the largest volume?

The Clutha River flows in the South Island to the Pacific Ocean.

What is the climate of New Zealand?

The climate of New Zealand is temperate, moist, and maritime.

What is the range of temperature variations in winter and summer in Auckland?

The range of temperature variations in winter and summer is about 10 degrees: +23 degrees C in January and +8 degrees in July.

What are the rainfall ranges in New Zealand?

Rainfall ranges from 1,200 mm in Wellington to 1,850 mm in Auckland.

What significant event did Abel Tasman experience during his exploration of the southern ocean?

In the year 1642, he touched on the southern coast of what is now Tasmania. In December, he sighted the Southern Alps of the South Island.

Where was Abel Tasman's first encounter with the locals?

His first contact with the locals occurred on the northwestern corner of the South Island.

What occurred when Abel Tasman encountered the Māori people?

He and his men were attacked by the Māori, who were cannibals at the time.

What did James Cook achieve regarding New Zealand? When it was?

In 1769, he sailed around the two main islands, placed New Zealand on the map, and proved that it was not part of the southern continent.

How long did James Cook spend chartering New Zealand?

He spent 176 days chartering New Zealand and produced a very accurate map of the main islands.

To whom did James Cook claim New Zealand for, and when was that claim recognized?

He claimed the land for Britain, but the claim was recognized nearly 75 years later.

What activities did Australian settlers begin in the 1790s along the New Zealand coast?

In the 1790s, Australian settlers commenced deep-sea whaling and sealing along the New Zealand coast. They primarily originated from the British convict settlement in Sydney and were driven by the increasing demand in European markets for seal-skins and whale oil. However, these industries led to significant environmental degradation, which ultimately caused their decline.

When were the first European coastal stations established in New Zealand?

The first European coastal stations were established after 1790.

What were the activities engaged in apart from deep-sea whaling and sealing?

They were engaged in obtaining timber and flax.

What role did missionaries play in New Zealand?

Missionaries began to settle in New Zealand to convert Māori to Christianity. The process was a success — the Māori were converted to Christianity in large numbers.

What was the situation of township by 1840? What is the name of the township?

By 1840 there was a large township at Korotrareka with several hundred European inhabitants of various nationalities, as Britain showed little interest at first in colonising the land.

Who was appointed as the lieutenant-governor of New Zealand in 1840 and why? What were his responsibilities?

William Hobson was appointed as the lieutenant-governor of New Zealand in 1840 due to the British government's concerns over potential French and American intervention in the islands, aiming to take possession of New Zealand. At that time, New Zealand was still part of the Australian colony of New South Wales. William Hobson was tasked with administering the islands and ensuring the protection of Māori interests.

What actions did William Hobson take upon his arrival in Sydney in January 1840 regarding land purchases in New Zealand?

Upon his arrival in January 1840, William Hobson issued a proclamation to halt the buying of land in New Zealand. He drafted a treaty between the Māori and the British government that proposed to bring New Zealand under British Empire authority.

What were the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi signed by Māori chiefs on February 6, 1840?

The Treaty of Waitangi offered the Māori leaders a guarantee of ownership over their remaining lands, full British citizenship, British protection, and stipulated that land could only be sold to the British government.

What were the consequences of ignoring the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi?

The neglect of the Treaty principles resulted in Māori dissatisfaction regarding land control in the North Island, which ultimately led to war in the 1860s. The outcome of this conflict was the confiscation of most Māori lands.

What significant event occurred in 1841 regarding New Zealand's governance?

In 1841, a charter was issued establishing New Zealand as a separate British colony from New South Wales, designating Auckland as its capital.

What was the development trend of the South and North Islands in the 19th century?

In the 19th century, towns and farms developed more rapidly on the South Island due to the Canterbury Plains, which had treeless and fertile soils suitable for raising sheep and crops. In contrast, the North Island was largely covered with dense forests that needed to be cleared for farming, alongside the presence of strong Māori clans resisting land cessions, leading to land wars that continued until the 1860s.

What happened to the Māori population from the beginning of European colonisation to the end of the 19th century?

The Māori population declined significantly approximately 42,000 by the close of the 19th century, down from 250,000, while the European population grew, reaching over 26,000 by 1851.

What significant constitutional change occurred in New Zealand in 1852?

In 1852, New Zealand was granted a constitution that established it as a largely self-governing colony.

What significant political event occurred in New Zealand in 1854?

The first national parliament was established.

What significant event occurred in 1865 regarding New Zealand's capital?

In 1865, the capital of New Zealand was relocated from Auckland to Wellington.

What economic challenges did New Zealand face in the 1860s?

In the 1860s, New Zealand confronted significant economic difficulties as export prices fell sharply, leading the country into a deep depression.

How were the economic problems resolved in New Zealand during the 1870s and 1880s?

The economic challenges were gradually addressed by advancing the country's economy and improving road infrastructure. Additionally, innovations in refrigeration and freezing technologies allowed New Zealand to export frozen meat and butter to Europe, resulting in significant profits.

What significant social reforms took place in New Zealand in the 1890s?

In the 1890s, the newly formed Liberal Party enacted major social reforms after winning the elections in 1890. These included granting voting rights to women in 1893, making New Zealand the first country to do so, extending free education from primary to secondary levels, and introducing social security benefits and old-age pensions in 1898. By the turn of the century the Liberal legislation gained New Zealand a reputation as a social laboratory for some of the world's most advanced social programmes.

What significant political change occurred for New Zealand in 1907?

In 1907, New Zealand was recognized as a dominion, becoming a self-governing country within the British Empire.

What significant change occurred for New Zealand in 1947?

New Zealand achieved complete independence from Great Britain through the Statute of Westminster.

Who were the first settlers of New Zealand?

The first settlers of New Zealand were individuals from eastern Polynesia who arrived at the islands over 1,000 years ago. They began identifying as Māori (meaning 'normal') in the 1880s.

When did the first Europeans arrive in New Zealand and what was the composition of their origins?

The first Europeans arrived in the 1820s, primarily of British origin, with a notable presence of immigrants from Scandinavia, Germany, Greece, Italy, and the Balkans.

Who has surpassed European immigrants in New Zealand?

Immigrants from the Pacific islands and Asia have surpassed those coming from Europe.

What are the six primary ethnic groups in New Zealand?

The six major ethnic groups in New Zealand are European, Māori, Pacific peoples, Asian, MELAA (Middle Eastern / Latin American / African), and 'Other ethnicity'. As per the 2018 census, Europeans constitute 72%, Māori are 16.5%, Asians comprise 15%, non-Māori Pacific peoples make up 8.0%, and MELAA accounts for 1.5%.

What is the current population of New Zealand as of 2023?

The population of New Zealand is 5.2 million.

What is a significant factor driving population growth in New Zealand?

Immigration plays a major role in contributing to the overall growth of New Zealand's population.

What is the distribution of population between the North and South Islands of New Zealand?

The North Island has about three-fourths of New Zealand's total population, demonstrating a significant contrast to the systematic settlement in earlier years. While the New Zealand countryside remains sparsely populated, many small towns host populations of up to 10,000, and several provincial cities have over 20,000 residents. Historically, the majority of Māori continue to reside in the North Island.

What are the three major cities in New Zealand and their characteristics?

Auckland, with a population of 1.7 million, is located in the north of the North Island and serves as the main industrial and commercial hub. Wellington, the political capital, has a population of 542,000 and is situated at the southern tip of the North Island. Christchurch, home to 389,300 residents, is located in the middle of the South Island and is the second largest industrial area.

What type of government system does New Zealand have?

New Zealand operates as a constitutional monarchy, with an unwritten constitution that includes various laws enacted by Parliament and significant court rulings.

Who is the head of state in New Zealand and who represents them?

The head of state in New Zealand is the British monarch, represented by a governor-general. The governor-general is appointed by the monarch based on recommendations from the New Zealand government and serves a five-year term, performing constitutional, ceremonial, and community functions.

Who is the current governor-general of New Zealand?

The current governor-general is Dame Cindy Kiro, who was sworn in on September 21, 2021.

What form of government does New Zealand have?

New Zealand operates under a parliamentary system inspired by the British model.

What body holds legislative power in New Zealand?

Legislative power is held by the unicameral House of Representatives (Parliament) consisting of 120 Members of Parliament (MPs), elected for three-year terms through the Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) voting system.

What is the voting system used in New Zealand?

New Zealand employs a mixed-member proportional representation system. In this system, voters cast two votes: one to elect a representative for their specific constituency and another for a political party. This system has been in effect since 1993, with the country divided into electorates for electoral purposes.

What is the typical voter turnout in New Zealand, and how does it compare to the OECD average?

The voter turnout in New Zealand is generally high, with 79% reported during the most recent elections, which is above the OECD average of 72%.

What was the Legislative Council in New Zealand, and when did it exist? Why was the Legislative Council abolished in New Zealand?

The Legislative Council was an upper house in New Zealand that existed from 1893 until its abolition in 1950. The Legislative Council was abolished because it was generally perceived as no longer fulfilling a useful role.

How is the government formed in New Zealand?

The government is formed by the political party or coalition of parties that holds the majority in the House. Typically, the leader of the governing party assumes the role of prime minister and works alongside ministers who oversee various government sectors, collectively forming a cabinet.

What is the role of the cabinet in New Zealand's government?

The cabinet serves as the principal body of executive authority, comprising 20 government ministries.

How is legislation initiated in New Zealand?

Legislation is primarily initiated in the House based on the decisions made by the cabinet, and it must be passed by a majority vote in Parliament to become law.

Who is the current Prime Minister of New Zealand?

The current Prime Minister of New Zealand is Christopher Luxon, who was elected to office in November 2023 and leads the National Party.

What are the two primary political parties in New Zealand?

The two main political parties in New Zealand are the National Party and the Labour Party. The National Party traditionally draws support from rural areas and affluent urban communities, particularly among business and management professionals, while the Labour Party's support mainly comes from trade unions and the urban blue-collar workforce.

How does New Zealand's economy function in the global marketplace?

New Zealand has a developed economy that remains relatively small on a global scale and can be characterized as an offshore European farm, primarily exporting wool and processed dairy products while importing finished manufactured goods, raw materials, and petroleum.

What are the significant sectors contributing to New Zealand's economy?

Pastoral farming, particularly dairying, is vital, alongside forestry and wood production, horticulture, fishing, deer farming, and manufacturing. A temperate climate and significant investment in land improvements have enhanced highly productive pastoral farming, which includes extensive sheep grazing and large-scale milk production. Viticulture has thrived as well, with many New Zealand wines now ranking among the best globally. Although New Zealand's forestry industry is small on the global scale, it remains a crucial supplier of wood products to the Asia-Pacific.

What minerals are present in New Zealand and what is their commercial viability?

New Zealand has a range of minerals, both metallic and nonmetallic, but only a few are found in commercial quantities. Notable exceptions include gold, which was a major export in the early years of organized settlement; coal, which continues to be mined significantly; iron sands, which are utilized for both export and domestic purposes; and recently, natural gas.

What are the primary sources of energy in New Zealand?

New Zealand's energy is derived from a combination of fossil fuels and renewable resources, including hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power.

What types of labour-intensive activities were developed in New Zealand, and what challenge did they face?

Labour-intensive, heavily protected, and uneconomic activities like automobile and consumer-electronics assembly, which included the manufacture of some parts and components, were established but struggled to remain competitive.

What are New Zealand's primary agricultural exports?

New Zealand's major agricultural exports primarily consist of meat, dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, crude oil and wood and paper products also contribute significantly to its export economy.

What is the role of the public-service sector in New Zealand?

The public-service sector is a significant employer, particularly in Wellington, where the primary offices of government departments are situated.

What role has tourism played in New Zealand's economy since the late 1990s?

Tourism has become a vital segment of New Zealand's economy, with a noticeable rise in international students from countries like China, South Korea, Japan, India, and Saudi Arabia enrolling in language schools, universities, and polytechnics, subsequently turning education into a significant source of foreign exchange.

Who are New Zealand's primary trading partners?

New Zealand's primary trading partners include China, Australia, the United States, Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

What is the significance of the Australia and New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER)? When was it signed?

The CER is established on a series of trade agreements, and it was signed in 1983.

What countries are part of the ASEAN free-trade agreement with New Zealand?

New Zealand has a free trade agreement with China, Australia, and is associated in a free-trade arrangement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

What is the ANZUS Treaty?

The ANZUS Treaty, formally known as the Australia, New Zealand and United States Security Treaty, is an agreement established in 1951 to ensure the security of the Pacific region.

What led to the deterioration of the ANZUS Treaty relationship?

The security relationship between the United States and New Zealand began to deteriorate in 1984 when New Zealand declared itself a nuclear-free zone and prohibited U.S. nuclear-powered submarines from visiting its ports.

What significant action did the United States take regarding the ANZUS Treaty in 1986?

On September 17, 1986, the United States suspended its treaty obligations toward New Zealand.

What does the flag of New Zealand represent? When was it adopted?

The flag of New Zealand features a royal blue background that is derived from the ensign of the Blue Squadron of the Royal Navy. The four red stars of the Southern Cross constellation on the flag represent New Zealand's geographical location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack in the top left quarter acknowledges New Zealand's historical ties as a British colony and dominion. Although the flag has been in popular use since 1869, it was formally adopted in 1902 during the patriotic fervor surrounding the South African War. Additionally, New Zealand has other official flags, including maritime red and white ensigns as well as flags that represent the monarchy and the Governor-General.

What significant event took place regarding New Zealand's national flag in 2016?

In 2016, New Zealanders participated in a nationwide referendum to decide whether to change their national flag. Voters were presented with the option of retaining the existing flag or replacing it with a new design featuring the Silver Fern, which was presented in a black, white, and blue color scheme. This design was among five alternatives selected during an earlier referendum in 2015. Ultimately, approximately 57% of voters chose to keep the original New Zealand flag.

What does New Zealand's coat of arms feature?

New Zealand's coat of arms prominently features a Māori warrior and a European woman standing face to face, symbolizing the bicultural heritage of the nation. They are positioned on either side of a British crown, representing New Zealand's historical ties to the British monarchy. The central shield showcases various emblems that represent New Zealand’s identity, including symbols related to its culture and natural resources. The first coat of arms was officially introduced in 1911, although government departments continued to utilize the British royal coat of arms for some time. The current version of the coat of arms was officially adopted in 1956.

What national holidays does New Zealand celebrate?

New Zealand celebrates several significant national public holidays. The most notable is Waitangi Day, observed on February 6, which commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, marking the birth of the nation and its partnership between Māori and the British Crown. Another important holiday is ANZAC Day, occurring on April 25, which honors the soldiers who fought at the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey during World War I. ANZAC Day is a day of remembrance for all New Zealanders who have served in the military, especially those who lost their lives in conflicts.

What is New Zealand's national anthem?

'God Defend New Zealand' is the national anthem of New Zealand, officially recognized in 1977.