New ZealandChapter 19 Section 3

Geography

• Made up of the North and South Islands and is located on the Ring of Fire.

• 85% of people live in coastal cities on the Northern Island.

Maori Settlement

• First inhabitants of New Zealand.– Migrated between 950-1150 from Polynesia.

• Called the land Aotearoa or “land of the long white clouds”.

• Mostly hunter-gatherers and fishers.

A British Colony

• James Cook explored New Zealand in 1769 and claimed it for Great Britain.

• The Maori and the new settlers fought each other continuously.– Resulted in the Maori chiefs signing the Treaty of

Waitangi.

• Misunderstanding of the treaty led to land wars.

Self-Government

• Britain granted New Zealand the right to be self-governing in 1907.

• Set up a Constitutional Monarchy (similar to Australia).

• Very concerned about equal rights.– One of the first countries to guarantee women

the right the vote in 1893.

Culture

• Most New Zealanders are descendants of British colonists.– Called Pakehas by the Maori.

• Reflects both Maori and British culture.– English and Maori are both official languages.

• Sheep outnumber people 25:1.– New Zealand exports large amounts of

wool.

More Culture

• Due to location and temperature, most New Zealanders enjoy water sports. – Swimming, sailing, surfing and fishing.

• Wellywood– New Zealand’s scenic landscape has helped to

develop a large film industry.– Named after the capital city of Wellington.

The Lord of the Rings trilogy was even filmed in New Zealand!!!!!

Maori Culture

• Have worked hard to preserve their culture.

• Most Maori have distinct body tattoos.– A sign of power and prestige.

• Follow traditional religious beliefs that honor ancestors and the natural environment.

Economy

• Growing emphasis on manufacturing.– Automobiles, electronics, furniture, and metal

products are produced in New Zealand.

• Depends highly on the use of hydroelectric power.

• Internal heat of the Earth is also a source of power which is called Geothermic Energy.