How were the Maori treated by the British in New Zealand?

The British preferred a peaceful arrangement to taking control of New Zealand by force, and the queen’s government offered the Maori chiefs its support and all privileges as the queen’s subjects. This was the Treaty of Waitangi, signed by 46 Maori chiefs on February 6, 1840.

When was New Zealand Colonised by the British?

The General Assembly first sat in 1854, under the provisions of the New Zealand Constitution Act 1852. The Colony of New Zealand was a British colony that existed in New Zealand from 1841 to 1907….Colony of New Zealand.

How did Britain gain control of New Zealand?

On 21 May 1840 Hobson proclaimed British sovereignty over all of New Zealand – over the North Island on the basis of cession through the Treaty of Waitangi, and over the southern islands by ‘right of discovery’. Signatures to the Treaty were still being sought.

How did colonization affect Māori?

Decline accelerated after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840 and settlers began to arrive in greater numbers. This influx exposed Māori to new diseases, leading to severe epidemics. Introduced respiratory diseases, particularly bronchitis and tuberculosis, also killed large numbers of Māori in the 19th century.

How did the British Empire affect New Zealand?

Britain granted the colonists self-rule in 1852. The country prospered from sheep farming and from the discovery of gold in 1862. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the vote. In 1907, it became a Dominion, a fully independent nation within the British Empire.

Who was the first white man to discover New Zealand?

explorer Abel Tasman
The dutch explorer Abel Tasman is officially recognised as the first European to ‘discover’ New Zealand in 1642. His men were the first Europeans to have a confirmed encounter with Māori.

When did NZ gain independence?

September 26, 1907
New Zealand/Founded