New Zealand History

Painting of the signing of the 'Treaty of Waitangi'

Kiwis live in a young country compared to most countries around the world. But while we might be youthful, we also have a rich culture and history. We have many wonderful myths and legends of our indigenous Maori people. And, having been colonized by the British, we still have strong ties to the UK and Europe of our ancestors. We are a country of immigrants, with thriving Chinese communities dating back from the gold rush in the 1860s and a growing ethnic diversity, especially in our bigger cities such as Auckland.

Here’s a little snapshot of Kiwi history.

Kupe

In the beginning

Over 1000 years ago, Maori set out from Polynesia in their waka (canoes) to explore the sea around them. They found a place they named Aotearoa ‘The Land of the Long White Cloud’ – this land would later become New Zealand. They established deep relationships with the land, personifying natural features to create a history in which people and land are interwoven.

The legend is that a famous explorer called Kupe set off from his homeland in Hawaiiki and was the first person to land here. Where Hawaiki actually is a legend in itself – it’s never been found. There are strong similarities between Maori and other Pacific Island cultures, so Hawaiki is thought to have been part of Polynesia.

New Zealand Maori

Māori 

Maori make up 14% of our 4.5 million people. As the ‘tangata whenua’ (indigenous people) of New Zealand, Maori customs and history are a core part of New Zealand culture today. Oral storytelling is an important part of Maori culture. Culture and Maori whakapapa (genealogy) wasn’t traditionally written down. Instead it was passed down from generation to generation through song and speaking. There are many tales and legends about New Zealand to learn about while you’re here.

When you visit New Zealand, you’ll get a first-hand experience of what Maori people call ‘manaakitanga’ (hospitality). You might also see some Maori rituals like a powhiri (official welcoming dance ceremony). And, if you like rugby you’ve probably seen the All Blacks perform the haka (war dance) before a game. The haka is an old Maori custom that used to be performed before going into battle as an intimidation technique.

Abel Tasman Arriving into New Zealand

The Arrival of Europeans 

The first person to find New Zealand was Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, in1642. Our stunning Abel Tasman National Park is named after him. But the person who discovered and mapped out modern New Zealand was Captain James Cook in 1769. This paved the way for the British, who colonised the country.  

The whalers, sealers and missionaries arrived first. They lived alongside Maori relatively happily. Then came the traders and pioneers, who had the mammoth task of getting the land cleared for farming. Unfortunately, the arrival of the British also bought guns and disease, resulting in a rapid decline of the Maori population.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Treaty of Waitangi

Back in our early years New Zealand was a lawless nation. The capital of the time, Russell, (in the Bay of Islands) was very different to the idyllic place it is now. It was known as “the hell hole of the Pacific.”

A group of Maori tribes were tired of being cheated and stolen from by immigrants, so their chiefs began to lobby the British king to start protecting and recognizing their rights.

After much discussions, a treaty, known as the Treaty of Waitangi, was written in English and translated to Maori. The treaty gave the British crown rule over New Zealand. It made Maori and British equal citizens. And it let the Maori keep their titles and right to sell their land. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed on 6 February 1840 in the Waitangi Treaty Grounds by the Queen’s representatives and 500 Maori chiefs. Modern New Zealand was born.

While the Treaty is regarded as having had good intentions, there has been ongoing controversy since. Brutal land wars in the 1840s resulted in a heavy death toll for both British and Maori. Afterwards, most of the country’s most breath-taking scenery was taken by the British.

In 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal was created. Since then a number of crimes against Maori tribes have been compensated, while others are still under dispute. Waitangi is a special place to visit. With breath-taking views over the Bay of Islands, it’s a place steeped in history, culture, and should be on your New Zealand bucket list.

The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa and means "Land of the long white cloud". Ao (cloud), tea (white), roa (long).

The English Text of the Treaty

Her Majesty Victoria Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland regard­ ing with Her Royal Favor the Native Chiefs and Tribes  of New Zealand and anxious to protect their just Rights and Property  and to secure to them the enjoyment  of Peace and Good Order has deemed it necessary in consequence  of the great number  of Her Majesty's Subjects who have already settled in New Zealand and the rapid extension of Emigration  both from Europe and Australia which is still in progress to constitute  and appoint  a functionary  properly authorized  to treat with the Aborigines of New Zealand for the recognition  of Her Majesty's  Sovereign authority  over the whole or any part of those islands -  Her Majesty therefore  being desirous  to establish a settled form of Civil Government  with a view to avert the evil consequences  which must  result from the absence of the necessary Laws and Institutions   alike to the native. population   and to Her subjects has been graciously pleased to empower  and to authorise  me William Hobson  a Captain  in Her Majesty's Royal Navy Consul  and Lieutenant  Governor  of such parts ofN ew Zealand as may be or hereafter shall be ceded to Her Majesty to invite the confederated  and independent   Chiefs of New Zealand  to concur in the following  Articles and Conditions.

Article The First: The Chiefs of the Confederation of the United Tribes of New Zealand and the separate and independent Chiefs who have not become members of the Confederation cede to Her Majesty the Queen of England absolutely and without reservation all the rights and powers of So ver eignty which the said Confederation or Individual Chiefs respectively exerciseor possess, or may be supposed to exerciser to possess over their respective Territories as the sole Sovereigns there of.

Article The Second: Her Majesty the Queen of England confirms and guarantees to the Chiefs and Tribes of New Zealand and to the respective families and individuals thereof the full exclusive and undisturbed possession of their Lands and Estates Forests Fisheries and other properties which they may collectively or individually possess so long as it is their wish and desire to retain the same in their possession; but the Chiefs of the United Tribes and the individual Chiefs yield to Her Majesty the exclusive right of Pre-emption over such lands as the proprietors thereof may be disposed to alienate at such prices as may be agreed upon between  the respective Proprietor and persons appointed by Her Majesty to treat with them in that behalf.

Article The Third: In consideration there of Her Majesty the Queen of England extends to the Natives of New Zealand Her royal protection and imparts to them all the Rights and Privileges of British Subject seceded to Her Majesty to invite the confederated  and independent   Chiefs of New Zealand  to concur in the following  Articles and Conditions.

[signed] W. HOBSON Lieutenant Governor.

Now  therefore  We  the  Chiefs  of the  Confederation  of the  United  Tribes  of New Zealand being assembled in Congress at Victoria in Waitangi  and We the Separate and Independent  Chiefs of New Zealand claiming authority  over the Tribes and Territories which are specified after our respective names, having been made fully to understand the Provisions  of the foregoing Treaty, accept and  enter into the same in the full spirit and meaning  thereof: in witness of which we have attached ,our signatures  or marks at the places and the dates respectively specified.                                                    '

Done at Waitangi  this Sixth day of February  in the year of Our Lord One thousand eight hundred and forty.

[Signatures and marks] 

 

 

 

Kupe

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