History

Abel Tasman was the first European to reach New Zealand in 1642.

The land was called "Niéuw Zeeland", from the name of a region in Holland.

In 1769, the arrival of James Cook brought to the colonization of New Zealand by Britain. The Maori called the new arrivals Pakeha; this word in used today to indicate New Zealanders of European origin.

The first settlers found an unknown land. As the number of settlers increased, the Maori population began to suffer attacks.

In 1841 the arrivals by new settlers and the purchase of primitive lands led to battles, which stopped in 1872.

New Zealand was the first country in the world to recognize the right to vote for women.

After years of liberal governments the collapse of agricultural prices caused by the crises of 1929 marked the ruin of the country.

In the second after war New Zealand lived a difficult period followed by economic prosperity.

In 1990 participation of minor political forces increased.

Determination, indipendence and creativity helped shape what has become the New Zealand character.

Vanessa Gab.