Timeline of New Zealand

Chronology

16 events spanning the history of New Zealand. BCE/CE dating.

1. 600 – 1300

   The Maori, arrive from eastern Polynesia.

   The first inhabitants of New Zealand, the Maori, arrive from eastern Polynesia.

2. 1642

   Dutch explorer Abel Tasman visits New Zealand.

   Dutch explorer Abel Tasman discovers part of the western littoral of New Zealand and names his discovery “Staten Landt”.

3. 1769

   James Cook, British explorer, makes his first visit to New Zealand.

   James Cook, British explorer, makes his first visit to New Zealand. He claims parts of the country in the name of King George III.

4. 1769

   French explorer, Jean-François-Marie de Surville casts anchor at Spirit’s Bay

   French explorer, Jean-François-Marie de Surville casts anchor at Spirit’s Bay.

5. 1772

   Marion du Fresne lands in the Bay of Islands.

   Marion du Fresne lands in the Bay of Islands and, yet again, claims the country for France, calling it France Australe (South France).

6. 1815

   First British missionaries arrive.

   First British missionaries arrive.

7. 1840

   The Maori sign the Treaty of Waitangi.

   The Maori sign the Treaty of Waitangi giving control to the British in exchange for protection and guaranteed Maori possession of their lands.

8. 1845 – 1872

   The New Zealand Wars.

   The New Zealand Wars, also referred to as the Land Wars. Maori put up resistance to British colonial rule.

9. 1893

   New Zealand becomes world’s first country to give women the vote.

   New Zealand becomes world’s first country to give women the vote.

10. 1907

    New Zealand becomes dominion within British Empire.

    The country becomes a dominion, or self-governing community, within the British empire.