New Zealand or Aotearoa in Maori, became independent from the United Kingdom on the 26th of September 1907. The first people to arrive in the country were the Polynesians from the 11th to the 14th...
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New Zealand or Aotearoa in Maori, became independent from the United Kingdom on the 26th of September 1907. The first people to arrive in the country were the Polynesians from the 11th to the 14th century. They are the ancestors of the Maori. The Europeans arrived in the middle of the 17th century (Dutch) and James Cook came with his British expedition 1769 - 70. Despite their independence, just like Australia, New Zealand still has Queen Elisabeth as head of state. Present day New Zealand is a wealthy and successful country, where Maori and European descendants live side by side. For seven year, until 2007, Georgina Beyer was a member of parliament, the world's first openly transsexual in a national parliament. The pride celebrations in New Zealand are called Hero and are held in February/March. The gay scene is concentrated to the biggest city Auckland on the north Island, followed by the capital Wellington and Christchurch on the south Island. However, you will find gay run Bed and Breakfasts around the country. Take your time to travel around and get to know this country with a marvellous nature, where the Lord of the Rings was filmed!
