New Zealand is an island country located south of Australia in the Pacific Ocean. The Māori people were the first inhabitants and Europeans first arrived in 1642 when the French explorer Abel Tasman arrived. New Zealand has a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. The country has a free public education system ranging from primary school until age 18 and universities. Popular New Zealanders include film directors Peter Jackson and James Cameron as well as singer Brooke Fraser. The primary language is English and Māori is also spoken, while music genres like reggae and techno are popular.