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History of New Zealand: A Captivating Guide to the History of the Land of the Long White Cloud, from the Polynesians Through the Māori Musket Wars to the Present
Did you know New Zealand was the first country to offer universal suffrage?
Many people today only started dreaming of visiting New Zealand after discovering it was the beautiful filming place of the Lord of the Rings series. However, ignoring the two islands in the Pacific Ocean is not a modern thing. The remote lands of New Zealand were the last large, livable lands to be discovered, inhabited, and colonized.
Since the Polynesians (the first humans in New Zealand who would become known as the Māori) were the most modern humans to settle in an uninhabited land, it is no surprise New Zealand has always been ahead of its time. Despite its late settlement, New Zealand has been one of the most rapidly modernizing nations in the world. New Zealand was the first country to introduce full democracy, women’s suffrage, state pensions, and state housing. New Zealand has a history unlike any other nation, from its late inhabitation to its unusually respectful colonization, involving hundreds of Māori chiefs signing an agreement to allow European settlement.
Although New Zealand was the last inhabited country and one of the most isolated developed regions in the world, it has been significantly involved in historical events, adding even more interest to its complex and rich history.
Intrigued? Pick up this book to learn more about the Extinct animals that used to call New Zealand home;The arrival of the Polynesians and what that meant for the region;The early European explorations and who is credited with discovering the island nation;Colonization efforts and their impact on the Māori;How New Zealand was run under European control;The progressive changes that took place;And so much more!
Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to begin learning about New Zealand!
Many people today only started dreaming of visiting New Zealand after discovering it was the beautiful filming place of the Lord of the Rings series. However, ignoring the two islands in the Pacific Ocean is not a modern thing. The remote lands of New Zealand were the last large, livable lands to be discovered, inhabited, and colonized.
Since the Polynesians (the first humans in New Zealand who would become known as the Māori) were the most modern humans to settle in an uninhabited land, it is no surprise New Zealand has always been ahead of its time. Despite its late settlement, New Zealand has been one of the most rapidly modernizing nations in the world. New Zealand was the first country to introduce full democracy, women’s suffrage, state pensions, and state housing. New Zealand has a history unlike any other nation, from its late inhabitation to its unusually respectful colonization, involving hundreds of Māori chiefs signing an agreement to allow European settlement.
Although New Zealand was the last inhabited country and one of the most isolated developed regions in the world, it has been significantly involved in historical events, adding even more interest to its complex and rich history.
Intrigued? Pick up this book to learn more about the Extinct animals that used to call New Zealand home;The arrival of the Polynesians and what that meant for the region;The early European explorations and who is credited with discovering the island nation;Colonization efforts and their impact on the Māori;How New Zealand was run under European control;The progressive changes that took place;And so much more!
Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to begin learning about New Zealand!
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
151 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 3, 2023
132 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 17, 2025
An interesting overview of New Zealand history gave me a quick 100,000 ft insight into this country. Happy I will be travelling there soon to hear and see the story firsthand.
August 14, 2023
A country known for its national rugby team, indigenous Maori culture, and picturesque landscapes, New Zealand, is a country that is both diverse as well as beautiful.
Over a century ago, Maoris arrived, followed by European exploration and colonization. In 1840, the Crown and indigenous chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing British sovereignty over the islands.
Afterwards, British settlers and Maori clashed over land and resources. The 1860s shaped the relationship between Māori and the British government. As a self-governing colony, New Zealand emerged in the late 19th century.
Over time, it was famous for its wool, dairy, and meat exports, which helped it develop a strong agricultural economy. In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote. Yet, it played a significant role in both World Wars, contributing troops and resources to support the Allies.
On the other hand, it has worked to remedy historical injustices through land restitution, cultural revitalization, and legal settlements. Despite its small size, it gained international attention for its environmental policies.
Finally, indigenous rights, environmental conservation, and social welfare are essential priorities, and conflict and reconciliation define its history.
This fascinating, engaging, and brilliant book sparked my curiosity about "The Land of the Long White Cloud."
It's worth a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Over a century ago, Maoris arrived, followed by European exploration and colonization. In 1840, the Crown and indigenous chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, establishing British sovereignty over the islands.
Afterwards, British settlers and Maori clashed over land and resources. The 1860s shaped the relationship between Māori and the British government. As a self-governing colony, New Zealand emerged in the late 19th century.
Over time, it was famous for its wool, dairy, and meat exports, which helped it develop a strong agricultural economy. In 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote. Yet, it played a significant role in both World Wars, contributing troops and resources to support the Allies.
On the other hand, it has worked to remedy historical injustices through land restitution, cultural revitalization, and legal settlements. Despite its small size, it gained international attention for its environmental policies.
Finally, indigenous rights, environmental conservation, and social welfare are essential priorities, and conflict and reconciliation define its history.
This fascinating, engaging, and brilliant book sparked my curiosity about "The Land of the Long White Cloud."
It's worth a try.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 23, 2023
OK as a General Outline of a County's History
The title says it. The writing is at high school or college freshman level. While many of the various developments over the course of the country's history are mentioned, there is not enough to really get a sense of whether one would want to visit or become a part of the New Zealand scene. It must be tough to write a history book that can hold the reader and provide enough intellectual "meat" to provide a proper understanding of the culture and atmosphere of the area discussed, without having our eyes glaze over in too much detail. I wanted more than this book gave.
The title says it. The writing is at high school or college freshman level. While many of the various developments over the course of the country's history are mentioned, there is not enough to really get a sense of whether one would want to visit or become a part of the New Zealand scene. It must be tough to write a history book that can hold the reader and provide enough intellectual "meat" to provide a proper understanding of the culture and atmosphere of the area discussed, without having our eyes glaze over in too much detail. I wanted more than this book gave.
February 25, 2024
Fact or Fiction? History of New Zealand
I did not like this book. We were on a cruise visiting New Zealand while reading it. Several of the assertations made in this book disagreed with Museum and tour guides reports of New Zealand history. The seemed poorly written and poorly researched.
I did not like this book. We were on a cruise visiting New Zealand while reading it. Several of the assertations made in this book disagreed with Museum and tour guides reports of New Zealand history. The seemed poorly written and poorly researched.
August 28, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I was curious about New Zealand and this book certainly answered some of my questions.
January 4, 2024
Interesting and informative.
March 3, 2024
“Captivating history” … more like, “here are some quick facts.” Good enough to get a quick idea and learn the history. It was fine..
August 8, 2024
I didn’t know much about New Zealand. This book is a good way to gain some basic information.
January 12, 2025
Enjoyed a learnt a lot more about New Zealand. Amazing was only inhabited by the 13th century
August 6, 2025
The first half or so is ok. Overall, very dry and just the facts without much color.
December 8, 2025
Underwhelming recap of history. Too much focus on 1700 and 1800’s.
February 11, 2024
Really two histories- Māori and European thru 2017 and then a purely Maori one, somewhat repetitive, but more in depth on Maori culture. Well worth reading before a trip to NZ.
Finished 2/10/2024
Finished 2/10/2024
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews