Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
behind the antinuclear policy, which became associated with national independence. Other
New Zealanders were uneasy about the more-market economic policy, but failed to come
up with a convincing alternative. Revelling in their new freedom, NZ investors engaged in
a frenzy of speculation, and suffered even more than the rest of the world from the eco-
nomic crash of 1987.
In the early 21st century, NZ's food, wine, film and literature are flowering as never be-
fore, and a new ethnic mix is creating something special in music. There are continuities,
however - the pub, the sportsground, the bush, the beach and the bach - and they too are
reasons people come here. Realising that NZ has a great culture and an intriguing history,
as well as a great natural environment, will double the bang for your buck.
NZ's staunch antinuclear stance earned it the nickname 'The Mouse that Roared'.
TIMELINE
AD 1000 -1200
Possible date of the arrival of Maori in NZ. Solid archaeological evidence points to about AD 1200,
but much earlier dates have been suggested for the first human impact on the environment.
1642
First European contact: Abel Tasman arrives on an expedition from the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia)
to find the 'Great South Land'. His party leaves without landing, after a sea skirmish with Maori.
1769
European contact recommences with visits by James Cook and Jean de Surville. Despite some viol-
ence, both communicate with Maori. This time NZ's link with the outside world proves permanent.
1772
Marion du Fresne's French expedition arrives; it stays for some weeks at the Bay of Islands. Rela-
tions with Maori start well, but a breach of Maori
tapu
(sacred law) leads to violence.
1790s
Whaling ships and sealing gangs arrive in the country. Relations are established with Maori, with
Europeans depending on the contact for essentials such as food, water and protection.
