New zealand rel81

New Zealand

  • Nov 12, 1300

    Polynesian settlement

    The start of the Polynesian settlement. These people are ancestors of the present day Maori.
  • New Zealand appears on maps

    For the first time, part of New Zealands coastline appears on maps. It is named Zeelandia Nova by the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman.
  • Maori attack Tasman

    Maori kill four members of Abel Tasman's crew. Tasman's ships depart without landing again.
  • James Cook visits New Zealand

    British explorer James Cook visits New Zealand. He claims part of the country for King George III.
  • Trade commences in New Zealand

    Deep sea whaling, sealing, flax and timber trades commence.
  • Maori suffer epidemic

    The Māori suffer the first serious introduced epidemic.
  • Women arrive in New Zealand

    The first European women arrive on the shores of New Zealand.
  • First child

    Thomas Holloway King becomes the first European child born in New Zealand.
  • Mission Established

    Wesleyan Missionary Society is established.
  • Flag adopted

    25 northern Maori chiefs adopt the United Tribes flag.
  • The Wairau Affair

    Violent affair between Europeans and the Māori. Twenty-two settlers and four Maori are killed.
  • Canterbury founded

    The Canterbury settlement is founded.
  • Telegraph line

    First telegraph line between Christchurch and Lyttelton is opened.
  • Maori resistance

    Māori resistance continues under the leadership of Te Kooti Arikirangi and Titokowaru.
  • Te Kooti pardoned

    Te Kooti is officially pardoned.
  • Mt. Tarawera erupts

    Mt. Tarawera erupts and kills 153 people.
  • Women able to vote

    Women are officially granted the right to vote.
  • Cars in NZ

    The first cars imported to New Zealand.