New Zealand has three main islands with varied terrain and climate. The North Island contains volcanic peaks while the South Island is dominated by the Southern Alps mountain range. Wildlife includes endemic species like the flightless kiwi bird. The first settlers were Polynesian people called the Maori who arrived over 1,200 years ago and were farmers and fishers. Later, British settlers colonized New Zealand in the 1800s, though conflict with the Maori continued. New Zealand gained full independence in 1907 and is now a parliamentary democracy and member of the Commonwealth while retaining the British monarch as head of state.

1. New Zealand

2. Natural Features

3. Land North Island 3 major volcanic peaks – eruptions are common Hills and coastal plains South Island Mountains - Southern Alps Thick forests, lakes, glaciers Coastal plain on eastern side

4. Climate Mainly marine coast climate very humid Lots of rain Southern Alps – snow Northern Island has a more tropical climate

5. Wildlife Endemic species Kiwi – a flightless bird Bats

6. Resources Fertile land More than ½ of New Zealand is pastures & farms Few mineral resources

7. History

8. 1 st Settlers First settlers came from other Pacific islands more than 1,200 years ago Came to be called the Maori

9. Maori They were fishers & hunters Unlike Aborigines, they were also farmers Lived in small settlements

10. European Contact British sailor Captain James Cook explored New Zealand in 1769 Large numbers of British settlers arrived in the early 1800’s When the British signed a treaty with the Maori in 1840, New Zealand became a British colony Fighting continued between the Maori & the British

11. Independence New Zealand was granted independence in 1907 Became part of the British Commonwealth of Nations

12. New Zealand Today

13. Government

14. Parliamentary Democracy Citizens elect members to represent them in a parliament. British Monarch is the head of state Prime Minister is the “leader” of the country

15. Culture

16. People Almost 80% are of British ancestry The Maori make up only 10% Asian and Pacific Islanders have been growing in numbers since the 1970’s 80% live in urban areas or cities Majority of the population lives on North Island

17. Economy Rich, economically developed country Agriculture very important Wool Meat Dairy products Banking Insurance Tourism Has become more industrialized: factories – processed food, paper products, clothing

18. Religion Most New Zealanders are Christians

19. Interests Sports, especially rugby, are popular Maori traditional culture remain important

20. Challenges Improving the economic and political status of the Maori Environmental Issues