New Zealand History

The Polynesian navigators started the history of New Zealand. More and more Polynesian newcomers arrived to the country during the period of the migration. In 1642 the first Europeans (the Dutch) came to New Zealand. Step by step North American and European whaling and trading ships began visiting the country. As a result of the Treaty of Waitangi the Maori were ceding their control of the land. In 1841 Auckland became the capital of New Zealand; in 1865 the parliament first used Wellington as its seat. New Zealand was granted autonomy, but it was not true to life until 1947. The country was developing rather rapidly. Nowadays, New Zealand is famous for its wines, which continue to impress connoisseurs around the world. The standards of life in the country are rather high.