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Europeans discovered New Zealand
Abel Tasman made a sighting of New Zealand. He was the first European to discover these islands. -
Treaty of Waitangi
In 1840, Maori and United Kingdom signed a treaty which established British sovereignty over New Zealand. -
Maori Wars
The Maori Wars were a couple of conficts, between 1845 and 1872, because the Maori didn't want to be under colonial authority. Many Maori and English settlers died during these wars. -
Maori in Parliament
In 1867, the Maori won 4 reserved seats in Parliament. -
Women's right to vote
New Zealand was the first country to allow women to vote. -
Dominion
New Zealand became a dominion (a practically independent state) in 1907. -
South Pacific Commission
In 1947, New Zealand collaborated with several nations (the USA, France, Autralia...) to create the South Pacific Commission. Its goal is to promote the welfare of the Pacific. -
Pacific Islands Forum
In 1971 was created the Pacific Islands Forum, an association of different countries of the Pacific Ocean (New Zealand, Australia...) to enhance their economy and the quality of their inhabitants' quality of life. -
New electoral system : MMP
In 1996, they changed their electoral system from FPP to MMP. It allowed the smallers parties to be more represented in Parliament. -
First inhabitants
The first Polynesians arrived in New Zealand in 952. Later, they will be known as "Maori".
