-
The first recorded European
Abel Tasman made the first recorded European sighting of New Zealand and represented sections of the two islands' west coasts. -
Captain James Cook
Captain James Cook, sent to Tahiti to observe the transit of Venus, (a transit is like a solar eclipse by the moon) was also tasked with the search for the great southern continent thought to exist in the southern seas. James successfully navigated and mapped the country, and led two more expeditions to New Zealand before being killed in Hawaii in 1779. -
The colonization process
Maori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the british sovereignty. The United Kingdom began a colonization process. That process led to several conflicts with the Maori population. During this period of war, many Maori died from diseases and battles. -
The largest recorded earthquake
The largest recorded earthquake to have hit New Zealand stroke Wellington at 9:11pm, on 23 January 1855. The earthquake measured 8.2 on the Richter scale. -
NZ's economy grows
The Maori won the rights to have several seats in the Parliament. The livestock industry expanded which made the foundations of New Zealand's economy grow. -
Votes for women
Women received the right to vote in the national elections. New Zealand was one of the first countries to give women the right to vote. -
The Statute of Westminster Adoption Act
New Zealand achieved full internal and external autonomy by the Statute of Westminster Adoption Act. This gave a formal status to a situation that had existed for many years. -
Pacific Community
New Zealand became the leader of an organization called the "Pacific Community". Countries like France, Australia, the UK and the USA paricipate in this community. This movement promotes the well-being of the Pacific Region. -
Postworld war 2
New Zealand had a relationship with the USA after the period of war, and was associated with the ANZUS' (Australia, New Zealand, the United States) security treaty. These three countries have to consult the treaty in case of an attack in the Pacific Region. During this period, the US had access to NZ's ports, which contributed to the flexibility and effectiveness of the US naval forces in the Pacific Region. -
Release of TLOTR
"The Lord of the Rings: The fellowship of the Ring" is finally released. Filmed in the NZ's scenery, the country gains a lot of tourists due to the success of the movie. The producer made the filming locations explorable for the public. NZ gained a lot of fame because of the franchise.
