New Zealand

New Zealand

area:	270,990sq km (104,629sq mi)
population:	3,737,277
capital (population):	Wellington (163,824)
government:	Constitutional monarchy
ethnic groups:	New Zealand European 74%, New Zealand Maori 10%, Polynesian 4%
languages:	English and Maori (both official)
religions:	Christianity (Anglican 21%, Presbyterian 16%, Roman Catholic 15%, Methodist 4%)
currency:	New Zealand dollar = 100 cents

State in the s Pacific. New Zealand consists of two mountainous main islands and several smaller ones, c.1600km (1000mi) se of Australia. Much of North Island is volcanic; Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu are active volcanoes. It is noted for its hot springs and geysers. New Zealand's largest river (Waikato) and largest lake (Taupo) are both on North Island. Cities on North Island include the capital, Wellington, and the largest port, Auckland. The Southern Alps extend for almost the entire length of South Island, rising to Mount Cook at 3753m (12,313ft). South Island is famed for its glaciers and fjords. The major South Island cities are Christchurch and Dunedin. Territories include the Ross Dependency in Antarctica. Cook Islands and Niue are associated states.

Climate and Vegetation

The climate varies from n to s. Auckland has a warm, humid climate throughout the year. Wellington has cooler summers, while in Dunedin temperatures can dip below freezing in winter. Rainfall is heaviest on the w highlands. Only small areas of original kauri forests survive, mainly in the n and s extremities of South Island. Beech forests grow in the highlands, and large plantations are grown for timber. Abundant sunshine is ideal for vineyards on the e coast.

History and Politics

Maori settlers arrived in New Zealand more than 1000 years ago. The first European discovery was by the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman in 1642. British explorer James Cook landed in 1769. Trade in fur and whaling brought British settlers in the early 19th century. A series of intertribal wars (1815–40) killed tens of thousands of Maoris.

In 1840, the first British settlement was established at Wellington. The Treaty of Waitangi (1840) promised to honour Maori land rights in return for recognition of British sovereignty. In 1841, New Zealand became a separate colony. Increasing colonization led to the Maori Wars. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to extend the franchise to women.

In 1907, New Zealand became a self-governing dominion in the British Commonwealth. New Zealand troops fought on the side of the Allies in both World Wars. In 1973, Britain joined the European Community and New Zealand's exports to Britain shrank. In 1985, the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior was blown up in Auckland harbour, prompting the adoption of anti-nuclear policies. Maori rights and the preservation of Maori culture remain a political issue. A 1992 referendum voted in favour of the introduction of proportional representation. In 1996 elections, the National Party (NP) and New Zealand First (NZF) formed a coalition government. In 1997, Jenny Shipley became New Zealand's first woman prime minister. In 1998, the NZF withdrew from the coalition. Helen Clark formed a minority Labour government after the 1999 elections.

Economy

In the late 20th century, New Zealand shifted from a state-controlled economy, with a large welfare state, to a more market-oriented one (2000 GDP per capita, US$17,700). The financial crisis in se Asia badly affected the economy. It traditionally depended on agriculture, particularly sheep- and cattle-rearing, but manufacturing now employs twice as many people as agriculture. Tourism is the fastest growing sector.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.govt.nz; http://www.purenz.com