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Settlement
After the discovery of New Zealand by the European travellers, the United Kingdom began to colonize the Maori's territories. The United Kingdom signed a treaty with the Maori chiefs (the Treaty of Waitangi --> picture) and New Zealand became british but some settlers were in conflict with the Polynesian people so there was a lot of tribal wars between the 2 sides. -
Livestock industry
For the first time, Maoris had reserved seats in Parliament. the New Zealand's economy expanded because of the livestock industry ( meat, wool, dairy products). The country began to export its products overseas.
(On the picture, a sheep farming not far from Longbeach) -
The 1890's
New Zealand government and social institutions established some democratic measures.
In 1893, women received the right to vote. New Zealand was the first country who approve this right. -
The Labour Party
The Labour Party came to power after a total domination of the National Party before it. The Labour Party implemented social and economic legislations like social security, public work programs, a minimum basic wage.... -
South Pacific Comission
New Zealand has been a leader in the South Pacific Comission, an organization who promote the well-being of the Pacific regions. -
The National Party
The National Party came back to power but it kept loads of welfare measures who were taked by the Labour Party. It kept the power until 1984 except 2 short periods. -
ANZUS
After the World War ll, New Zealand, Australia and the United States (--> ANZUS) signed a security treaty. The signatories must consult each other in case of an attack. U.S. naval forces used New Zealand's ports for flexibility and effectiveness in the Pacific.
(On the picture, the signing of the Treaty) -
Anti-nuclear measures
The Labour Party regained the power. It instituted radical reforms to refund New Zealand's external debts. It also proved the incompatibility of the nuclear tests in the Pacific with the way of life of the country. The government was for the anti-nuclear and disapproved the presence of nuclear weapons on the New Zealand's soil particularly on the U.S. vessels. It resulted in the country's suspension from the ANZUS alliance. -
The MMP
A new system to elect the New Zealand"s Parliament was created: the Mixed-Member Proportional. It was designed to increase the smaller parties in Parliament. Neither the Labour Party nor the National Party has had a majority in Parliament because of the MMP. -
952-1150
According to the Maori tradition, between this 2 dates, new Polynesians arrived in New Zealand and they called this place "AOTEAROA" or "the land of the long white cloud"
Before this period many East Polynesians lived in New Zealand. They were hunters and fishers. -
Period: to
New Zealand History
