NEW ZEALAND

Date of establishment: September 26, 1907

Brief history:

Pre-European Period: New Zealand (Aotearoa) was first settled by the Māori, Polynesian navigators, around the 13th century. They developed a rich culture, society, and complex tribal structures (iwi), with unique customs, art, and spirituality deeply tied to the land and nature. Māori society thrived for centuries before the arrival of Europeans.

1642 – 17th Century: The first European to sight New Zealand was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. His visit led to a brief, violent encounter with Māori, and he did not land on the islands.

1769 – 18th Century: British explorer James Cook arrived in 1769, charting New Zealand’s coastline and establishing contact with Māori. His voyages opened the door for future European explorers, traders, and settlers.

19th Century: European settlement began to increase significantly in the early 19th century. New Zealand initially became part of the British colony of New South Wales, Australia. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and various Māori chiefs, ostensibly to protect Māori land rights while establishing British sovereignty. In 1841, New Zealand was declared a separate colony.

1860-1872: The New Zealand Wars (also called the Māori Wars) were a series of conflicts between Māori and British settlers, primarily over land disputes. These wars resulted in significant loss of Māori land through confiscation, which had long-lasting impacts on Māori society and the development of New Zealand.

1893: New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote, a landmark in its democratic and social history.

1907: New Zealand became a dominion within the British Empire, rather than a fully independent state. This change meant New Zealand had greater autonomy, though it still recognized the British monarch as head of state.

1953: Queen Elizabeth II was crowned as Queen of New Zealand, a ceremonial role as New Zealand continued to be part of the Commonwealth with the British monarch as its head of state.

1970s-1980s: A period of Māori cultural revival and increasing recognition of Māori land claims. The Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975 to investigate breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, which had been widely ignored or misinterpreted by successive governments.

1986: The Constitution Act 1986 formally ended the power of the British Parliament to legislate for New Zealand, cementing New Zealand’s legal independence. The Tribunal has played a key role in addressing historical grievances between Māori and the government.

Present: In recent decades, New Zealand has focused on reconciliation with Māori, the protection of the environment, and its role in international peacekeeping and diplomacy. The country is a leader in progressive social policies, including same-sex marriage and environmental conservation.

 

International abbreviation: NZ

 

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of the country and is used in all aspects of the economy, including trade, goods, and services. It is abbreviated as NZD and often symbolized by $ or NZ$ to differentiate it from other dollar currencies.

The most common banknotes are in denominations of NZ$5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. These notes feature important New Zealand historical figures and cultural imagery, along with advanced security features.

Coins in circulation include denominations of 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 dollars.

 

Internet domain: .nz

 

Dialing code: +64

 

Time zone: GMT +12

 

Geography:

New Zealand consists of two main islands: the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui) and the South Island (Te Waipounamu). The North Island is warmer, more geothermally active, and more densely populated, particularly around cities like Auckland and Wellington. The South Island is larger in area but less populated, known for its stunning mountainous landscape and cooler climate.

The South Island is home to the Southern Alps, a mountain range that runs down the western side of the island. This range includes Aoraki / Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The South Island is also renowned for its glaciers, such as the Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers.

New Zealand is located along the boundary of the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates, which makes it seismically active, with frequent earthquakes and significant volcanic activity. The North Island has several active volcanoes, including Mount Ruapehu and White Island (Whakaari), as well as geothermal areas like Rotorua.

The North Island is home to temperate rainforests, particularly in regions such as the Waipoua Forest in Northland, which is known for its ancient kauri trees, and the Coromandel Peninsula. These forests support a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to New Zealand.

New Zealand has a diverse coastline featuring fjords, particularly in the Fiordland region of the South Island, such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, as well as bays, beaches, and rocky shores. These coastal areas are ecologically rich and are popular with both locals and tourists.

In addition to the two main islands, New Zealand has many smaller islands. Stewart Island (Rakiura), located to the south of the South Island, is the third-largest island and is known for its wildlife and national park. Other smaller islands, such as Kapiti Island, Great Barrier Island, and the Chatham Islands, are scattered around the main archipelago, each with its own unique ecosystems and history.

 

Highest peak: Aoraki / Mount Cook 3 724 m a.s.l. (12 218 feet above sea level)

This mountain is in South Island and is part of the Southern Alps.

Several glaciers are located in this area, including the famous Tasman Glacier.

This landscape is also part of the Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, which offers many hiking trails.

 

Climate:

The North Island of New Zealand has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. The northern part of the island (e.g., Auckland and Northland) has a subtropical influence, with average summer temperatures ranging from 20-26°C (68-79°F), while winter temperatures average 10-15°C (50-59°F).

The South Island has a temperate oceanic climate. Winters are colder than those in the North Island, with average temperatures in winter around 6-10°C (43-50°F), and summers are milder, with averages ranging from 16-22°C (61-72°F). The Southern Alps and surrounding areas experience an alpine climate, with cold winters, heavy snowfall, and short, cool summers. Temperatures in alpine areas can drop below 0°C (32°F) in winter, and snow is common.

The southernmost part of the South Island, including cities like Invercargill and the Fiordland region, has a cool temperate climate. Winters are cold but not extreme, with average temperatures around 5-10°C (41-50°F). Summers are cool, averaging 12-18°C (54-64°F). This area is known for its rugged, remote landscape and high levels of precipitation, especially in Fiordland.

The east coast of both islands (e.g., Christchurch and Napier) tends to be drier due to the rain shadow effect from the mountains, while the west coast of the South Island is wetter and one of the rainiest regions in the world. This is due to the prevailing westerly winds from the Tasman Sea, which bring moist air that rises over the Southern Alps, causing frequent rainfall on the west coast.

 

Fauna and flora:

The kiwi, a small, flightless bird, is one of the most iconic symbols of New Zealand. Kiwis are shy, nocturnal birds with a long beak used to forage for insects. There are several species of kiwi, all endemic to New Zealand, and they are a national treasure.

The kākā is a large parrot native to New Zealand, known for its brownish-red plumage with a greenish tinge. It is closely related to the kea and is found primarily in forested areas of the North and South Islands. The kea, another species of large parrot, is famous for its intelligence and curiosity. It is olive-green with bright orange under its wings and is found in the alpine regions of the South Island.

The tuatara is a unique reptile, often referred to as a “living fossil” because its lineage dates back around 220 million years, to the time of the dinosaurs. Endemic to New Zealand, tuataras are now found primarily on offshore islands, where they are protected from predators.

Hector’s dolphin is one of the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species, found only in the coastal waters of New Zealand. It is classified as endangered, with its subspecies, the Māui dolphin, being critically endangered.

Fiordland crested penguins (also known as tawaki) are found in the Fiordland region of the South Island and Stewart Island. They are one of several penguin species that inhabit New Zealand, including the little blue penguin and the yellow-eyed penguin.

Kauri trees are among the largest and longest-living trees in the world, primarily found in the northern parts of the North Island. These majestic trees are an important part of New Zealand’s natural heritage, though they are currently threatened by kauri dieback disease.

The rimu is an evergreen coniferous tree native to New Zealand. It is a member of the podocarp family, not a typical conifer, and is commonly found in New Zealand’s temperate rainforests, contributing to the country’s rich and diverse plant life.

 

Agriculture:

New Zealand is well-known for its production of fruits, particularly kiwi fruit, which is a significant export product. Other fruits grown in the country include apples, pears, cherries, avocados, and stone fruits like plums and peaches. The kiwifruit industry, centered in regions like Bay of Plenty, is one of New Zealand’s key agricultural sectors.

The country is also globally recognized for its wine production. Regions such as Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay, and Central Otago are known for their vineyards. Marlborough is particularly famous for producing Sauvignon Blanc, while Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and other varieties like Merlot and Riesling are produced in various regions.

Dairy farming is the backbone of New Zealand’s agricultural industry, with the country being one of the world’s largest exporters of dairy products, particularly milk powder, butter, and cheese. Fonterra, a New Zealand-based cooperative, is one of the world’s largest dairy exporters.

New Zealand also has a large population of sheep, though the number has declined in recent years as dairy farming has expanded. The country is still one of the top exporters of wool and lamb meat, with its high-quality wool being used for textiles globally.

Forest management and timber production are crucial sectors as well, with pine plantations being a key part of the forestry industry. Radiata pine is the most commonly planted species, and the wood is used for construction, pulp, and paper production.

Due to its extensive coastal waters, fishing is another important industry in New Zealand. The country has a well-developed commercial fishing sector that targets species such as hoki, snapper, and shellfish, and also plays a leading role in sustainable fishery practices.

 

Extraction of natural resources:

New Zealand produces coal – primarily bituminous coal and sub-bituminous coal. The country has several coal mines, with significant reserves located on the South Island (particularly the West Coast and Southland) and parts of the North Island. Some of the coal is used for electricity generation and heating, but a large portion is exported, particularly to Asia for steelmaking.

Sand and gravel mining is important for the construction industry, supporting infrastructure projects such as road building and urban development. These materials are extracted from rivers, coastal areas, and quarries.

New Zealand has a history of gold mining, particularly during the 19th-century gold rushes. Although gold mining is no longer a major economic activity, several smaller gold mines still operate, particularly in regions such as the Otago and West Coast on the South Island. In addition to gold, New Zealand also produces other minerals like silver and quartz.

The country is also rich in natural gas and oil. The Taranaki Basin, located on the west coast of the North Island, has significant natural gas fields and is the center of New Zealand’s petroleum and gas extraction industry.

Limestone, clay, and aggregate are also extracted in New Zealand and used primarily in the local construction and manufacturing sectors.

 

Industry:

The food industry is one of New Zealand’s largest and most important sectors, driven by the country’s agriculture. This includes the processing and export of meat (particularly lamb, beef, and poultry), dairy products (such as milk, cheese, and butter), fish (notably from its commercial fishing sector), and a variety of fruits like kiwifruit, apples, and avocados. Wine production, especially from regions like Marlborough, also contributes significantly to the food and beverage industry.

The forestry industry plays a crucial role in New Zealand’s economy. Radiata pine is the most commonly grown tree, and New Zealand exports large quantities of logs, timber, and wood products. The forestry sector supports industries such as construction, furniture-making, and pulp and paper production.

The construction sector is an important industry in New Zealand, driven by strong demand for housing and infrastructure. The government invests heavily in infrastructure projects, including roads, public transport, and earthquake resilience programs, particularly due to the country’s seismic activity.

New Zealand’s energy sector relies on a diverse mix of renewable and non-renewable sources. Hydroelectric power accounts for over half of the country’s electricity generation, thanks to its rivers and lakes. Geothermal energy is another major source, particularly on the North Island, where active geothermal fields are used for power generation. Wind power is growing, contributing to the renewable energy mix. While fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas are still used, their role in electricity generation is decreasing as New Zealand transitions toward a more sustainable energy system.

Industrial manufacturing in New Zealand is diverse but relatively small compared to other sectors. It includes the production of machinery, chemicals, transportation equipment, and engineering products. The electronics and high-tech industries are also emerging, especially in niche areas like software development and technology solutions.

In recent years, New Zealand has gained global recognition as a filming location for movies and TV series, most famously for the “Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies. This has spurred growth in the film and television production industry, contributing to tourism and boosting the country’s creative economy.

 

Services and other areas of the economy: tourism, transport (sea, air, road), telecommunications, science and research, education, social services, film and television, and trade

 

Natural and historical attractions: Tongariro, Fiordland, Kahurangi, Abel Tasman and Rakiura National Parks, the Bay of Islands, Coromandel Peninsula, Lake Wanaka, Te Wahipounamu, Wellington and Auckland cities, Waitomo Caves, and the Rotorua region

New Zealand is world-renowned for its stunning natural scenery, which includes mountains, lakes, fjords, beaches, rainforests, and volcanic regions. These diverse landscapes offer a range of natural attractions for visitors, from the Southern Alps and Fiordland in the South Island to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua and the volcanic peaks of Tongariro National Park in the North Island.

The country offers many outdoor activities, including hiking (known locally as tramping), cycling, bungee jumping, rafting, and kayaking. New Zealand is famous as the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping, with Queenstown serving as a hub for adrenaline sports and adventure tourism.

New Zealand has 13 national parks that showcase its breathtaking landscapes and offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Fiordland National Park, home to the stunning Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, is renowned for its dramatic fjords, waterfalls, and towering cliffs. Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its active volcanoes and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes in the world. Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and coastal trails, offers kayaking and hiking along its scenic bays.

The country is rich in Māori culture and history, which tourists can explore through visits to marae (traditional Māori meeting grounds), museums, and cultural experiences. Visitors can engage with Māori traditions, including the performance of the haka and traditional crafts, while the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in the Bay of Islands is a key historical site where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown.

New Zealand is also well-known for its sports tourism, particularly in rugby. The country’s All Blacks rugby team is world-famous, and attending rugby matches or visiting rugby museums is a popular activity for sports enthusiasts. Cricket also has a significant following, though rugby dominates the sports scene.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, New Zealand is a major wine producer, particularly in regions such as Marlborough, which is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, and Hawke’s Bay, known for its Chardonnay and Merlot. Many wineries offer tastings, vineyard tours, and dining experiences that attract wine lovers from around the world.

The South Island is a major destination for skiing and snowboarding, with excellent opportunities in the Southern Alps. Resorts such as Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mount Hutt are popular for their well-developed ski facilities and stunning alpine views.

 

 

Form of government: constitutional monarchy

New Zealand is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, meaning it has a constitutional monarch as its head of state. The monarch of New Zealand is the British monarch, currently King Charles III, but the monarch’s role in New Zealand is largely ceremonial, with actual governance carried out by elected officials. The governor-general acts as the monarch’s representative in New Zealand and exercises ceremonial duties and certain constitutional powers on behalf of the monarch.

New Zealand’s parliamentary system is unicameral. The house of representatives is the sole legislative body, consisting of 120 members of parliament (MPs). MPs are elected every three years through a mixed-member proportional representation system, which combines electorate voting and party-list voting to ensure proportional representation in parliament.

The prime minister is the head of government and is typically the leader of the political party (or coalition of parties) that holds the majority of seats in the house of representatives. The prime minister is responsible for leading the executive branch of the government and implementing policies. The prime minister is appointed by the governor-general on the recommendation of the party or coalition with the most support in the house of representatives.

New Zealand has an independent legal system, based on English common law, but it has developed its own body of judicial precedents and laws. The highest court in the country is the Supreme Court of New Zealand, which was established in 2004, replacing the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London as the highest court of appeal.

 

Capital city: Wellington

Wellington, located at the southern tip of the North Island, is the capital of New Zealand and the second-most populous urban area after Auckland, though the city itself is smaller in population compared to others like Christchurch. Known as the “windy city” due to its blustery weather conditions, Wellington’s location on Cook Strait, which separates the North and South Islands, makes it a major port and a hub for trade and travel between the two islands. Its natural harbor, Wellington Harbour, has played a key role in its development.

The city grew rapidly in the 19th century, largely due to its strategic location and excellent harbor. In 1865, Wellington officially became the capital of New Zealand, replacing Auckland. The decision to move the capital was influenced by Wellington’s central location, which made it more accessible to both the North and South Islands. Its defensible harbor and proximity to important political and economic areas also contributed to the choice, seen as a compromise between competing settlements.

Among the key attractions in Wellington is Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, which offers extensive exhibits on Māori culture, natural history, and the country’s history. The Beehive, the executive wing of the New Zealand Parliament buildings, is an iconic architectural landmark where the government functions take place. The Wellington Cable Car is a funicular that provides panoramic views of the city and access to the Wellington Botanic Garden. Another popular viewpoint is Mount Victoria Lookout, which offers stunning views over the city, Wellington Harbour, and Cook Strait.

Wellington is also home to Weta Workshop, famous for its work on films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The workshop offers tours showcasing the behind-the-scenes magic of filmmaking. Beyond its political significance, Wellington is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with numerous theatres, galleries, and film festivals, making it often considered the cultural capital of New Zealand.

The city has a population of about 215 000.

 

Area: 268 680 km2 (103 738 square miles)

 

Population: 5 185 000 (2022 estimate)

New Zealand is an ethnically diverse country. The largest ethnic group is European (Pākehā), primarily of British and Irish descent, followed by Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. Other significant ethnic groups include Asian communities (especially Chinese and Indian), and Pacific Islanders, particularly from Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji. This diversity reflects New Zealand’s history of immigration and its growing multicultural population.

The official languages of New Zealand are English, Māori (te reo Māori), and New Zealand Sign Language. English is the most commonly spoken language and the main language of government and business. Māori, the language of the indigenous Māori people, also holds official status and is a key part of New Zealand’s cultural heritage. Efforts to revitalize te reo Māori are ongoing, with initiatives in education and media to promote its use. New Zealand Sign Language was granted official language status in 2006 and is used by the Deaf community.

New Zealand is a state with religious freedom, guaranteed by law. The most widely practiced religion is Christianity, with Anglicanism, Roman Catholicism, and Presbyterianism being the largest denominations. However, New Zealand is increasingly secular, with a significant portion of the population identifying as having no religion. Other religions practiced in New Zealand include Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam, reflecting the country’s growing diversity.

New Zealand enjoys a high standard of living, characterized by quality healthcare, education, and social services. The public healthcare system is accessible and funded by the government, providing residents with necessary medical care. Education in New Zealand is of high quality, with strong public schooling and numerous universities that rank well internationally. The country is also known for its low crime rate and a high level of life satisfaction among its residents. Factors such as political stability, environmental quality, and the overall quality of life contribute to the well-being of the population.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3

 

  1. Te Wahipounamu (1990) – A vast nature reserve located in the southwest of the South Island, it covers four national parks: Aoraki/Mount Cook, Fiordland, Mount Aspiring, and Westland Tai Poutini. This region is known for its stunning landscapes, including mountains, fjords, glaciers, and rainforests, and is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to New Zealand.
  2. Tongariro National Park (1990) – Recognized as both a natural and cultural World Heritage site, this park contains active and extinct volcanoes, including Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. It holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Māori people, especially the local iwi (tribe) of Ngāti Tūwharetoa, who consider the peaks to be sacred. The park is also a popular destination for outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.
  3. New Zealand Subantarctic Islands (1998) – This designation includes five island groups: the Auckland Islands, Antipodes Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Island, and The Snares. These islands are located in the Southern Ocean and are important for their rich biodiversity, including numerous species of birds, marine mammals, and plants, many of which are endemic to these islands. The islands are remote and largely uninhabited, providing critical breeding grounds for various species.

 

National parks: 13

 

  1. Abel Tasman National Park
  2. Aoraki National Park / Mount Cook
  3. Arthur’s Pass National Park
  4. Egmont National Park
  5. Fiordland National Park
  6. Kahurangi National Park
  7. Mount Aspiring National Park
  8. Nelson Lakes National Park
  9. Paparoa National Park
  10. Rakiura National Park
  11. Tongariro National Park
  12. Westland National Park Tai Poutini
  13. Whanganui National Park