Though there are very many queries with regards to the mysteries of New Zealand's history, it is assumed that New Zealand was explored before the birth of the Christ. For better understanding the history of New Zealand has been divided into several periods. The division though artificial, has become a prime necessity because of the various ethnic groups that had a considerable influence on New Zealand.
Polynesian foundation
The history of New Zealand dates back to the time between 1000 and 1300 CE when the land was settled by the Polynesians whose successors came to be known as Maori. Historical evidences show that the Maori people who mainly settled in the northern part of the island called their new home as 'Aotearoa' which meant land of the long white cloud.
With the passage of the time the Maori people became more interested in warfare that underlined the increasing demand for land and resources. Leadership was primarily based on a hereditary system. Of all the Maori society it was the 'hapu' group which later rose to immense popularity. Early period
The first European who visited New Zealand was the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, who came to this part with his ships namely Heemshreck and Zeehaen. He first anchored on the northern part of South Island in 1642 but sailed to Tonga. He named them as Staten Landt but the name was changed to Nova Zeelandia in Latin which was derived from the Dutch word Nieuw Zeeland. Later the name was subsequently anglicized and the lands got its new name. The name New Zealand was given by the British naval captain James Cook. After that the land had been visited by a large number of British, French and American people who mainly came to trade. From 1800s missionaries settled here with the sole aim to convert the masses to Christianity. A large section of the masses accepted Christianity because of the Musket wars that coupled with their polytheistic culture allowed the people to accept the new gods. European settlement
History of New Zealand refers to the fact that the European settlement started in the early decades of the 19th century. Their increasing attempts to buy new lands in New Zealand caused conflicts and an alarm aiming the missionaries who seeked the help of the British. British Rule
In 1788 the colony of New South Wales as founded in Australia though it had no real impact. In 1839 the New Zealand Company announced plans to establish colonies which prompted the British to take strong action. In 1840 William Hobson the British representative and 40 Maori chiefs signed the treaty of Waitangi by which the Maori got the rights of the British citizens. But very soon was created between the two groups Colonial period
New Zealand became a colony on 3rd may, 1841. The country however was gifted with self government through the New Zealand constitution Act, 1852 that created central and provincial governments.
The history of the land during this particular period saw large scale immigration from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. In 1870s and 80s several thousands Chinese people came to the land. The war period
Though the Pakeha was initially welcomed the pressure on the Maori gradually increased when the Pakeha population rose to an alarming number. The subsequent period experienced wars that created great disillusionment in the Maoris. However this was the picture in the North Island. The South Island with its lesser Maori population was calm.
The discovery of gold in 1861 at Gabriel's Gully created a great rush among the people. The period of 1890s
The history of New Zealand faces major changes during this part. Local trade based on export of frozen meat and dairy products became the main means of income. The decade saw the establishment of the first Liberal Government. as it gradually accepted innumerable reforms for the better development of the state, it became the first country to grant rights to its women. Dominion
New Zealand in 1901 decided not to join the commonwealth of Australia. Later in 1907 it became a separate dominion that was equivalent to Australia. The World Wars
After New Zealand fought for the British Empire there was a Great Depression in the 1930s.
In 1935 the First Labour Government was elected that established a welfare state.
In the World War II also New Zealand contributed its troops to protect themselves s from the Japanese forces.
Post war
After the war ended a large number of population migrated to the cities that gradually led to its urbanization.
However when the British joined the European Economic Community in 1973 New Zealand had to find new markets. Reforms
When the fourth Labour government came to power they introduced many reforms. The fifth Labour government elected in 1999 that is the current government of New Zealand has managed to maintain most of the reforms of the previous governments and has also introduced various other reforms with the sole aim of bringing development in the country.
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