Rental Cars New Zealand - History of New Zealand

The popular native name Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud) is credited to the great Polynesian navigator Kupe who discovered New Zealand in 950 AD. By 1350 his people began migrating in significant numbers from their homeland of Hawaiki (different from Hawaii), developing an independent culture, not without tribal feuding and bloodshed.

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman briefly visited in 1640, landing on the northern shores of the south island, but promptly left after a few of his men were eaten by the locals. Only in 1769, with the arrival of Captain James Cook’s Endeavour, did colonial influence really begin. However he too encountered unfriendly locals and concentrated instead on Australia. With whaling and sealing intentions, the British arrived in significant numbers from the early 1800s and established a capital at Russell in the extreme north.

Conflict was, however, common between the local Maori tribes and ‘Pakeha’ (white faces), leading to the ground-breaking treaty of Waitangi, whereby the Maori ceded sovereignty to the British crown in return for protection and guaranteed possession of their lands. But benefits were rather one sided and in 1860 a decade long war broke out. Increasing immigration of Pakeha and economic advantages soon saw them pacify the rather war-like locals. Regardless, New Zealand has long prided itself on a reputation for equal status among all its inhabitants, a little racial difference remains.

By the late 19th century, the discovery of gold and wide-scale sheep farming meant New Zealand became an efficient and mostly self-reliant country. It continued to remain at the fore-front of democracy and rights, instituting women's suffrage, social security, the encouragement of trade unions and the introduction of child care services.

New Zealand was given dominion status in the British Empire in 1907 and granted autonomy by Britain in 1931; independence, however, was not formally proclaimed until 1947.

The country’s economy slumped in the 1980s, as many headed to Australia for work, but focus on exports has seen the economy recover well. Politically the country maintains a high status with its environmental and anti-nuclear stance seeing it butt heads with the USA and France. Race relations have dominated the agenda as the Maori fight land confiscation reparations, cultural preservation and more political influence. They are however being rapidly outnumbered by Asian immigrants.

Itinerant ‘kiwi’ travelers, domination on the rugby field, snatching and holding onto the Americas Cup and Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic first ascent of Everest 50 years ago have all ensure that this country of 3 million isn’t forgotten.