-
>1820
The period prior to 1820 was when the Maori governed themselves between their chiefs. -
European Settlers Arrive (1820)
This is when the european settlers first arrived to take the land under the name of the British crown and revamp the governing system with the British one. -
Treaty of Waitangi
This is when the treaty between the British and Maori was signed to prevent warfare and discuss land, properties and all issues. -
The New Zealand Constitution Act
This is when the UK established a system of government representing New Zealand, with a General Assembly of a Legislative Council, picked by the Crown and a House of Representatives by males over 21 with land every 5 years. Basically NZ's first democratic system. -
First Election
37 MP's were elected by voting using a democratic system. Only a small amount of the Maori voted, almost all of their votes didn't count because their land was owned under communal title. -
Kingitanga Movement
This movement was founded in 1858 with the intention of uniting Maori under one sovereign. -
Maori Seats Created
Four Maori seats were created as a temporary measure for five years with universal suffrage for Maori men over the age of 21 (First Maori elections held the next year) -
Universal Suffrage for Maori men (over 21)
This is when all of the Maori men over 21 were allowed to vote. Also the parliamentary term was reduced to 3 years. -
Universal voting granted to women over 21 (including Maori)
This is when women (Pakeha and Maori) were given the right to vote. Also only those who were exactly half Maori were able to choose to vote in European or Maori seats. -
Voting age reduced to twenty
This is when the age for someone to be eligible to vote was reduced to 20. -
Voting age reduced to eighteen
The voting age was reduced again to 18 during this year. -
New Zealands voting system changes from FPP to MMP
New electoral act passed, number of Maori seats permitted to vary -
First general election held using MMP
Also the number of MP's increased to 120
