New Zealand

New Zealand is a wealthy Pacific nation predominantly made of people from European descent. The Maori, who were descendants of Polynesian settlers are the indigenous people of New Zealand, and make up the largest minority group in New Zealand.

New Zealand consists of two main islands and numerous smaller ones. Around three-quarters of the population lives in the North Island, which is also home to the capital, Wellington.

Agriculture is the economic mainstay, but manufacturing and tourism are important. Visitors are drawn to the glacier-carved mountains, lakes, beaches and thermal springs. Because of the island’s geographical isolation, much of the flora and fauna is unique to the country.

New Zealand plays an active role in Pacific affairs. It has constitutional ties with the Pacific territories of Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau.

History

Maori were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, thought to have arrived around the early 14th Century. Maori oral history maintains that they came to the island in seven canoes from other parts of Polynesia. In 1642, New Zealand was explored by Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator. British captain, James Cook made three voyages to the islands, beginning in 1769. Britain formally annexed the islands in 1840.

The Treaty of Waitangi, which took place on February 6, 1840, between the British and several Maori tribes promised to protect Maori land on the condition of them recognizing British rule. Encroachment by British settlers was relentless however, and conflict between the two groups intensified.

Peace of mind

New Zealand is rated in international surveys as one of the world’s most peaceful, least corrupt countries. The 2017 Global Peace Index, which compares 162 countries for the risk of personal violence, rates New Zealand as the world’s second safest country after Iceland. Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perception Index ranks New Zealand the least corrupt country in the world, equal with Denmark.

New Zealand does not even have any seriously dangerous wildlife for you to worry about. The most dangerous animal you might find is a Kea – Kea’s are parrot-like birds found at higher altitudes in the South Island who sometimes display a taste for the rubber on windscreens, doors and mirrors of cars!