History of New Zealand By facebooker_100003546226447 Dec 13, 1642 New Zealand was explored by Abel Tasman, a Dutch navigator. Oct 6, 1769 British captain James Cook made three voyages to the islands Feb 6, 1840 The Treaty of Waitangi between the British and several Maori tribes Apr 2, 1860 A decade of land Wars begins between the Maoris and European settlers. Jan 1, 1893 New Zealand becomes the first country to give women the right to vote. Dec 11, 1907 The country becomes a dominion, or self-governing community, within the British Empire. Jun 2, 1947 New Zealand gains independence from Great Britain. Jan 25, 1984 Labour government elected, Prime Minister David Lange begins radical economic reforms. Jul 2, 1987 New Zealand won the Rugby World Cup Nov 16, 1996 New Zealand First coalition government.
