The Oxford Illustrated History of New Zealand

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A thousand years ago, Polynesian islanders arrived on two large, rugged islands east of Australia, becoming the Maori people. In 1642, Dutch sailor Abel Tasman visited, followed by Captain James Cook in 1770. British whalers, traders, and missionaries later joined the Maori in what is now New Zealand. This beautifully illustrated history reveals how the Maori established a sophisticated society amidst the islands' mountains and waters, navigating a complex relationship with European settlers. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1848, paved the way for mass colonization, often through deceit and violence against the tribes. Despite this, the Maori sought refuge in anti-Western movements until their resistance was crushed in the 1860s. The colony flourished thereafter, cultivating a sense of nationalism and political maturity, with women gaining the vote in 1893, ahead of Britain and the U.S. New Zealand's soldiers fought valiantly for the British Empire in various wars, while its international role evolved post-1945, transitioning from ANZUS alliance to opposing nuclear-armed American ships. The text also explores changes in New Zealand's politics and society over the last century, including welfare programs and the urban migration of the Maori. This distinguished volume captures the colorful and complex history of New Zealand, appealing to those interested in the region and the British Commonwealth.