What is happening in New Zealand in 1789CE

The Maoris of New Zealand are descended from Polynesians who arrived in the North Island sometime around the 13^th century. They quickly spread throughout both islands. The tropical crops they brought with them were unsuited to the temperate climate of most of the country, and the settlers were forced to adopt a largely hunter-gatherer lifestyle. The abundant wildlife, including the huge, flightless bird called the Moa, offered plentiful food. However, this was soon depleted, and the Maoris were forced to focus on growing only those domesticated plant able to survive winter frosts, the sweet potato. This was supplemented by native ferns. Even this was only possible in the warmer North Island and the northern tip of South Island. Throughout the rest of South Island, a thinly-scattered population continued to live a hunter-gatherer way of life.

In the North Island, warlike chiefdoms, centred on numerous fortified earthworks called “Pas”, have developed. More than 5000 Pas have been traced, a graphic reflection of the violent competition for good land.

What is happening in New Zealand in 1837CE

A few small European settlements have been established on the coast of New Zealand from the 1790’s onwards, limited to whaling bases and Christian missions. Their impact on the Maori population has been huge, however, as traders have brought muskets with them, swapping them for food and other items. These firearms have destabilized the balance of forces within Maori society and led to a bloody period of inter-tribal warfare known as the Musket Wars. In these, some Maori tribes have been driven from their ancestral lands, whilst others have been eliminated completely. Furthermore, European diseases kill thousands of Maoris, by some estimates as many as half.

What is happening in New Zealand in 1914CE

Refrigerated cargo ships have greatly expanded New Zealand’s economy, opening up the European market to New Zealand meat and dairy produce. A long-lasting, Liberal government puts in place the foundations for one of the most advanced welfare states in the world, between 1891 and 1912.

In 1907, New Zealand is made a Dominion within the British Empire. This gives it effective independence.

What is happening in New Zealand in 1960CE

New Zealand armed forces played an important part in the World War 1, most famously in the ANZAC formation, which bore the brunt of the fearful fighting at Gallipoli.

Between the wars, the Great Depression of the 1930’s led to further social legislation. In World War 2, New Zealanders fought in many theatres, at sea, on land and in the air.

In 1947 the terms of the Statute of Westminster came into force for New Zealand. This statute had originally been passed by the British parliament in 1931, and had affected Canada and Australia at that time. It was only now made applicable to New Zealand, however. By its terms, New Zealand became a sovereign state within the British Commonwealth of Nations, with equal status with Britain. The countries continued to share the British monarch as the head of state.

What is happening in New Zealand in 2005CE

The later Twentieth century has seen New Zealand asserting itself by such acts as banning all nuclear warships from its ports, in 1985. This cooled its relations with the USA for a time.

The 1970’s and 80’s were difficult years for New Zealand. One factor was the loss of special trading status with Britain, as the latter orientated itself economically away from the Commonwealth and towards Europe. The New Zealand government responded by sweeping reforms of the economy, making it more business-friendly and encouraging an entrepreneurial culture.

Maori culture has experienced a revival in the later Twentieth Century and, as a group, their social and economic position has benefited from their pressing for compensation for the injustices of the colonial era.