New Zealand History Introduction

While New Zealand is a relatively young country, it has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both our Māori and European heritage.

Amazing Māori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings.

A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country we have become.

Treaty of Waitangi

An 1840 treaty between Māori and the British Crown is New Zealand's founding document. Today, the Treaty of Waitangi has a major impact on all New Zealanders...(more)

Immigration

Over a thousand years ago, Māori tribes migrated to New Zealand from their Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Since then, people have come from around the world to settle here...(more)

Early Settlement

Bravely voyaging across the Pacific from their ancestral homeland hundreds of years ago, Māori made New Zealand their home, becoming the tangata whenua—people of the land...(more)

Colonisation

Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the land, it was the British who colonised New Zealand, leaving an indelible mark on the country and its people...(more)

DVD

These New Zealand DVDs take you on a personal journey into New Zealand, showing you the beauty, history and culture of our lovely country. Whether you have already visited New Zealand, plan on doing so, or are just interested in New Zealand, these DVDs are perfect for you, your family, and your friends...(more)