Aotearoa is the Maori word for New Zealand, translation “land of the long white cloud” from  ao= cloud, tea=white, roa= long.  The Maori have remained in New Zealand, on record, since 1300 AD.  Abel Tasman, in 1643, was the first European to discover this land, but never set foot here.  In 1769 James Cook arrived in New Zealand and claimed it for Great Britain, but it wasn’t until 1779 when Europeans decided to settle here.

           

      On February 6 1840 Te Tiriri o Waitangi, the Treaty of Waitangi, between the British crown and Maori was signed.  This treaty guaranteed full possession of Maori land in exchange for recognition of British sovereignty.  The Treaty of Waitangi is known for New Zealand’s founding document and still a reference for Maori and the New Zealand government.  

 

What makes Aotearoa

      Aotearoa, New Zealand, unique to the world is the Maori culture.  Other countries have similar climates and beautiful landscapes but the Maori culture is what gives this land a special taste of something different.  And even though other countries have indigenous populations the Maori, in New Zealand, continue to exert the strong influence on everyday life and hold their cultural traditions typically more than anywhere else.

 

      An experience of Maori culture is an essential component of any visit to New Zealand.  Around the country there are amazing Maori cultural experiences offering dance and song performances, demonstrations explaining the history and past ways of life for Maori, and exhibitions showcasing the artwork of the Maori. 

 

 

Facts about New Zealand

 

Population : 4.3 million

Sovereign: Queen Elizabeth II

Prime Minister: John Key

Government: Parliamentary Democracy

Area: 268,680 (similar to Colorado)

Capital City: Wellington

Currency: New Zealand Dollar

Languages: English, Maori, and Sign Language