New Zealand, first settled by Polynesians (the Maori) in the 13th century, has a long history of conflict. The arrival of European explorer Abel Tasman in 1642 confirmed the existence of a southern continent but the first encounter with the Maori was hostile and Abel Tasman never actually set foot on the land.
Captain James Cook charted the country’s coastline more than 100 years later, in 1769. His first encounter with the Maori ended in bloodshed but he persevered and established a friendly relationship. After Cook spread the word, European whalers, sealers and settlers arrived to plunder the rich marine resources and establish a new life.
In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi – a land ownership agreement between the British and the Maori – was signed, transferring New Zealand to the British crown. The treaty established British law in New Zealand but guaranteed Maori authority over their land. It is held to be New Zealand’s founding document and the original can be viewed in Wellington.
A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the Maori and vast areas of Maori land were confiscated. In 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal was convened to settle Maori land claims and address this land grab. It has become a permanent commission of enquiry and a means of addressing issues affecting contemporary Maori.
New Zealand became self-governing in 1852 and gained the status as an autonomous dominion of the British Empire in 1907. New Zealand became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1947. Queen Elizabeth II remains the head of state, although the monarch has no active role in running the country. As part of the British Commonwealth, New Zealand has tended to follow the United Kingdom and Australia with support in numerous wars over the years.