The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D. 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered into a compact with Britain, the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining territorial rights. That same year, the British began the first organized colonial settlement. A series of land wars between 1843 and 1872 ended with the defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both world wars. New Zealand's full participation in a number of defense alliances lapsed by the 1980s. In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances. New Zealand assumed a nonpermanent seat on the UN Security Council for the 2015-16 term.
New Zealand is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy and a part of the Commonwealth realm.
Source: CIA World Factbook
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Displaying 26 - 30 of 52Titi (Muttonbird) Islands Regulations 1978.
These Regulations, consisting of 12 sections, establish the requirements and conditions to request and benefit from an authorisation to entry to the Titi Islands and other islands adjacent to Stewart Island mentioned in the deed of cession of Stewart Island dated 29 June 1864. Beneficiaries are Rakiura Maori who hold a succession order from the Maori Land Court entitling him/her to any beneficial interest in any beneficial island. In particular, it deals with the birding season establishing a period commencing on 1 April in any year and ending with 31 May in the same year.
Niue Act 1966 (No. 38).
This New Zealand Law, consisting of 33 Parts and 3 Schedules, provides for various matters that apply to the territory of Niue, including Village Councils, cases stated by the High Court or Land Court or Land Appellate Court and cases stated by Supreme Court for Land Appellate Court, land taxes and land development. The Land Court may by Order declare that any Niuean land shall be subject to the provisions of act relating to land development.
Constitution of New Zealand 1852 (rev. 2014)
New Zealand's main constitutional statutes, the Constitution Act 1986, was passed by the New Zealand Parliament