According to Maori legend, New Zealand was created by a mythical demi-god Maui-Tikitiki-a Taranga, from the Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Whilst fishing and using his magical jawbone as a hook and his blood as bait, Maui caught a great fish, which became the North Island of New Zealand. The South Island is Maui’s canoe and Stewart Island is the anchor.
New Zealand, first settled by Polynesians (The Maori) in the 13th century, has a long history of conflict in total contrast to its current laid-back vibe.
The arrival of European explorer Abel Tasman in 1642 confirmed the existence of the hotly rumoured southern continent that Europeans had heard about. The first encounter with the Maori, though, was hostile and Abel Tasman never actually set foot on the land.
The next European to arrive was Captain James Cook, who charted the country’s coastline more than 100 years later, in 1769. Cook’s first encounter with the Maori ended in bloodshed but he persevered and established a friendly relationship. After Cook and his crew spread the word, European whalers, sealers and settlers arrived to plunder the rich marine resources and establish a new life and greater wealth.
In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi – a land ownership agreement between the British and the Maori – was signed, transferring New Zealand to the British crown. The treaty established British law in New Zealand but guaranteed Maori authority over their land. The treaty is held to be New Zealand’s founding document; and the original can be viewed in Wellington.
A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the Maori, who were overwhelmed by the better-equipped colonial armies. Vast areas of Maori land were subsequently confiscated. In 1975, the Waitangi Tribunal was convened to settle Maori land claims and address this land grab. In addition to resolving claims, it has become a permanent commission of enquiry and a means of addressing issues affecting contemporary Maori.
New Zealand became self-governing in 1852 and gained the status as an autonomous Dominion of the British Empire in 1907. New Zealand became an independent member of the British Commonwealth in 1947. Queen Elizabeth II remains the head of state, although the monarch has no active role in running the country. As part of the British Commonwealth, New Zealand has tended to follow the United Kingdom and Australia with support in numerous wars over the years.
Helen Clark became New Zealand's first woman prime minister in 1999. She was re-elected as prime minister for a third time in September 2005, and her coalition with the Progressive Party voted in a number of controversial measures. John Key won the last election in November 2008 with his National Party forming a minority government with the ACT and Maori Parties.
55% Christian: Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic and Methodist are all represented.
Social conventions:Should a visitor be invited to a formal Maori occasion, the hongi (pressing of noses) is common. Casual dress is widely acceptable. New Zealanders are generally very relaxed and hospitable. Stiff formality is rarely appreciated and, after introductions, first names are generally used. Smoking is restricted where indicated; it is banned in pubs and restaurants as well as on public transport and in public buildings.
English is the common and everyday language, but other languages are also spoken, including Maori, which is New Zealand's second official language (spoken by the indigenous Maori people who constitute approximately 15% of the population).
