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Treaty of Waitangi
Signed in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi is an agreement between the British Crown and Maori. It established British law in New Zealand, while at the same time guaranteeing Maori authority over their land and culture. The Treaty is considered New Zealand's founding document. In remembrance of the day the treaty was signed, there is a national holiday in NZ called 'Waitangi Day'. -
The first New Zealand census
The first population census in New Zealand was conducted. Māori were excluded. The census was conducted on a three-yearly basis until 1874. -
The Depression
In 1931 the census was abandoned because the country was going through the Depression and the government had reduced its number of public servants. Even during the depression a few new industries were established and some others grew a lot. -
World War II
In 1941 when so many people in New Zealand were involved in World War II, the census was postponed until the end of the war. -
Census Language.
In 1996 the census forms were offered in english or maori for evryone that would prefer the other language.