New Zealand's history spans 800 years — from Maori arrival, European discovery, British colonization, Treaty of Waitangi, to modern bicultural nation.
Maori Arrival (1200-1642)
Polynesian Maori arrived in waka (canoes) from Hawaiki around 1200-1300. Developed unique culture with iwi (tribes), hapu (sub-tribes), marae (meeting grounds). Estimated 100,000 Maori by 1600.
European Discovery (1642-1840)
Dutch Abel Tasman sighted New Zealand 1642 — named after Dutch province Zeeland. Captain James Cook arrived 1769 — mapped islands. European whalers, sealers, traders followed.
Treaty of Waitangi (1840)
February 6, 1840 — Treaty of Waitangi signed between British Crown and 500+ Maori chiefs. New Zealand became British colony. Treaty differences between English and Maori versions cause ongoing dispute.
New Zealand Wars (1845-1872)
Wars between British settlers and Maori over land. Maori lost most land. Population fell to 42,000 by 1896. Pakeha (European) settlers outnumbered Maori.
Dominion and Independence (1907-1947)
Self-governing British Dominion 1907. World War I — 18,000 New Zealand soldiers killed. World War II — 12,000 killed. Full sovereignty by Statute of Westminster 1947.
Modern New Zealand (1947-today)
Welfare state expanded. Nuclear-free zone since 1984. Treaty settlements with Maori from 1990s. 5 million people. Constitutional monarchy (King Charles III). Bicultural Maori-Pakeha society. Known for outdoors, agriculture, Lord of the Rings films.