History
New Zealand was the last territory that people settled. East Polynesians arrived here about 700 years ago. However, the growing population has led to the extinction of many unique species of underage birds and the development of Maori culture. The population was divided into IWI and HAPU, who over the years cooperated or fought. The Māori group later moved to the Chatham Islands, developing their different Moriori culture. The Moriori population was completely destroyed between 1835 and 1862, mainly due to invasion, enslavement and European diseases. In 1862 only 101 people survived and the last known Thoroughbred Moriori died in 1933.
In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first European who saw the northwest coast of the South Island of New Zealand. Until 1769 no one else from Europe visited New Zealand. In 1769, however, the British explorer James Cook arrived, who mapped almost the entire coast.
In 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip assumed the position of governor of the new British colony – New South Wales, which, according to his mandate, included New Zealand. Later, the ongoing riots led to a proposal to settle the company of New Zealand and to negotiate about a treaty of the United Kingdom’s claim with the Maori people. On May 21, 1840, British sovereignty was declared over the whole of New Zealand.
July 1, 1841, New Zealand became a separate colony, which in 1852 won a representative government and in 1854, the parliament had the first meeting. Over time, he began to take responsibility for all domestic matters except for native politics (which was only granted in the mid-1960s). Concerned that South Island might form a separate colony, Prime Minister Alfred Domett moved a resolution on the transfer of capital from Auckland to Wellington.
In 1893, New Zealand was the first nation in the world to grant all women the right to vote.
Following the signing of the British Sovereignty Treaty, an increasing number of immigrants during the 19th century, and to change the representation of indigenous peoples. Their incidence dropped to about 40%
When six British colonies were connected in Australia in 1901, New Zealand did not join the Federation and in 1907 had self-governing domination. He was offered full independence under the 1931 Westminster Statute, but until 1947 he did not accept it.
Politics
New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. Elizabeth II. is the Queen of New Zealand and the Head of State, but represented by the Governor-General appointed by the Prime Minister. The Governor-General may exercise the prerogatives of the Crown, such as reviewing cases of injustice and appointing ministers, ambassadors, and other key public officials. The powers of the sovereign and governor-general are limited by constitutional constraints and cannot normally be exercised without the advice of ministers.
The New Zealand Parliament has legislative power and consists of the Queen and the House of Representatives. The House of Representatives is democratically elected. The government with a majority of seats is formed by the party or coalition. The Governor-General appoints ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is the parliamentary leader of the ruling party or coalition.
The Cabinet, made up of ministers and led by the Prime Minister, is the highest political body in the government and responsible for deciding on significant government measures. Cabinet members make important decisions together and are therefore jointly responsible for the consequences of these decisions.
Between March 2005 and August 2006, New Zealand became the first country in the world in which all the highest offices in the country – Head of State, Governor-General, Prime Minister, Speaker, and Chief Justice – were simultaneously occupied by women. The current Prime Minister is Jacinda Ardern, who has been in office since 26 October 2017.
The New Zealand judiciary led by the Chief Justice includes the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court and subordinate courts. New Zealand is identified as one of the most stable and correct states in the world.
Religion
The prevailing religion is Christianity (49% in total). A further 41.9% is without religion. Immigration and demographic changes in recent decades have contributed to the growth of minority religions such as Hinduism (2.1%), Buddhism (1.5%), Islam (1.2%) and Sikhism (0.5%).
People
Māori people are the original New Zealanders who came from the Eastern Polynesian Islands. Thanks to the later establishment of the British colony, it now has a population of mostly European origin, but with a significant indigenous Maori minority. In recent years, the number of Asian minorities, a minority of Polynesians, Americans, and Africa, has also increased.
Language
New Zealand has three official languages (English, Maori and Sign Language)
- New Zealand English – is similar to Australian English, showing the influence of Maori and in some parts of the country, you can recognize Scottish and Irish influences. About 96.3% of the population speak this language.
- Eastern Polynesian language “Te Reo Māori” – closely related to the Tahitian and Cook Islands Māori. About 3.7% of the population speak this language.
- New Zealand Sign Language – has its roots in British Sign Language (BSL) and can be technically considered a dialect of British, Australian and New Zealand Sign Language (BANZSL). About 20,000 people use it.
Culture
Over the centuries, immigrants have brought aspects of their own culture to New Zealand, thus affecting the original Maori culture.
Despite their location far from Europe, European New Zealanders (Pākehā) have maintained strong cultural ties to their “England”. These ties were weakened by the demise of the British Empire and the loss of special access to the British meat and dairy markets. Pākehā began to create an independent identity influenced by their pioneering history, rural lifestyle and the unique environment of New Zealand.
More recently, New Zealand’s culture has expanded through globalization and immigration from the Pacific Islands, East Asia, and South Asia.
National symbols of New Zealand are influenced by natural, historical and Moriori sources. The silver fern is a character appearing on military badges and uniforms of sports teams. Some popular culture items considered unique in New Zealand are called “Kiwiana”.
Kapa Haka – is a dance of traditional Maori art that expresses heritage and cultural identity (for many, this dance is known as a ritual before international games).
Media – You can admire the diverse landscape and beautiful nature in movies such as Avatar, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Chronicles of Narnia, King Kong, and The Last Samurai. Some even remember the Xena: Warrior Princess, who was also filmed here.
Sports – Most of New Zealand’s favorite sports come from the UK. RUGBY is a national sport, which at the same time attracts the most spectators. “All Blacks”, the national team, are the most successful in the history of international rugby games and are also the reigning world champions. Extreme sports such as adventure hiking, climbing, tramping, canoeing, snow sports, hunting, surfing, sailing, etc. deserve attention as well. The Polynesian sport WAKA AMA RACING experienced a great comeback during the 1980s.