Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
French spies sank the antinuclear protest ship
Rainbow Warrior
in Auckland Harbour,
killing one crewman. The lukewarm American condemnation of the French act brought
middle NZ in behind the antinuclear policy, which became associated with national inde-
pendence. 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 economic crash of 1987.
Scottish influence can still be felt in NZ, particularly in the south of the South Island. NZ
has more Scottish pipe bands per capita than Scotland itself.
The early 21st century is an interesting time for NZ. Like NZ food and wine, film and
literature are flowering as never before, and the new ethnic mix is creating something
very special in popular music. There are continuities, however - the pub, the sports-
ground, the quarter-acre section, the bush, the beach and the bach (holiday home) - and
they too are part of the reason people like to 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 environ-
ment.
1642
First European contact: Abel Tasman arrives on an expedition from the Dutch East Indies (In-
donesia) to find the 'Great South Land. His party leaves without landing, after a sea skirmish
with Maori.
1769
