Introduction to New Zealand

History of New Zealand

New Zealand was first founded by Polynesians in 950-1130AD. In 1642, a European Explorer named Abel Tasman sails into New Zealand. Unfortunately, this encounter led violence and bloodshed. Then 1769, a British Explorer by the name of James Cook arrived by coincidence to New Zealand where he settled. In 1790, an influx of whalers, traders and missionaries arrived to New Zealand. It was not welcomed with pleasure and open arms by the natives and war broke out for over 50 years.


On February 6th 1840, the natives signed a treaty known as The Treaty of Waitangi with Britain, with the promise that their land will be protected if they recognize British rule. However, as more European settlers arrive to New Zealand, tension and competition for space grew more intense, leading to a war known as the Land Wars in 1845 which lasted for more than 20 years. Finally in 1870, Britain withdrew her troops.


Current times in New Zealand
In present day New Zealand, New Zealand is an independent nation within the British Commonwealth. The British Monarch, although the constitutional head of state, plays no role in the administration of the New Zealand Government. Interestingly, New Zealand also has a native Queen.

The education structure in New Zealand in very different as compared to Singapore’s education structure. A child would be attending kindergarten from 3-5 years of age, primary school at age 6 to 9, secondary school at 9-13 years old and tertiary education upon graduation of secondary school at universities or polytechnics.

New Zealand’s estimated population in at 4,305,700 of which 13% are natives. In the next part, I will be talking about the culture in New Zealand.