History of Auckland

Tools:

The first people of New Zealand were the indigenous Maori. They named the North island "Aotearoa", commonly translated as The Land of the Long White Cloud, which has since become the word for the entire island in the Maori language. The Dutch explorer Abel Tasman arrived in 1642 and named it Staten Landt.

However, "settling" the island for the white immigrants did not come easily as some of the original Dutch crew was killed by the Maori and Europeans were unsure about returning. The British explorer James Cook tried again in 1768. This time, the European immigration was successful and opened the floodgates of European trade of metal tools and weapons for Maori timber, food, artefacts and water. Christian missionaries followed and furthered changed the ways of the indigenous people. New Zealand was one of the last major landmasses to be settled.

Auckland's isthmus was settled around 1350 for its rich and fertile land. The Maori had used this area as productive farm land for many years, but the introduction of guns began a brutal inter-tribal war. The openness of future Auckland's terrain made it difficult to protect the tribe and it was largely abandoned for more sheltered coastal areas. On January 27th, 1832 Joseph Brooks officially bought the land and Europeans began to make their home in Auckland. As more and more white settlers came to New Zealand, land disputes became common and the New Zealand Land Wars of the 1860s and 1870s resulted in severe land loss for the Maori.

Originally, part of the colony of New South Wales was under British rules. It became a separate colony in 1840. The area developed and grew with the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and Auckland was distinguished as the new capital. The new Governor of New Zealand, William Hobson, named the city after George Eden, Earl of Auckland. Representation came in 1852 with the passing of a new Constitution Act by the United Kingdom. The 1st Parliament meeting occurred in 1854.

In 1863 the Premier, Alfred Domett, became concerned that division on the island would lead to the South Island creating a separate colony. Wellington was chosen as the new capitol in 1865 for its harbor and central location to counteract this movement. It was also at this time that New Zealand became fully independent in 1907. In 1947 the Statute of Westminster was ratified.

The country experienced great growth following World War II, but suffered along with the world market in the 1930s. Social unrest was also a problem as the Maori had begun to immigrate to the city and criticize the European supremacy. Many Maori felt that earlier treaties had not been adhered to and in 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal was established to investigate alleged breaches.

Today, the country has somewhat reconciled with its past and features a confident and laid back people. The area's mild climate, bountiful employment and many leisure activities have distinguished it as a pleasant place to be. It currently ranks as the 4th best place to live in terms of quality of life for 215 major cities of the world.

Update 6/12/2009

Related articles:

Tools:

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Addthis

Recommended Partners

Keep more of your money when transferring funds overseas!

Fexco_logo

If you want to move money abroad, from New Zealand or to New Zealand for example, Fexco provides efficient and secure global bank to bank transfers and bespoke payment solutions for both business and personal clients.

Why Fexco

Fexco provides a secure international money transfer service online or by telephone with bank beating fx rates and low fees. Specialises in high-value transfers.

Faster, cheaper, safer International money transfers.
Dedicated fx dealer who will oversee your transfer from start to finish
Make payments from anywhere with our secure online platform, PayDirect.
If you prefer the personal touch, then our payments team can be contacted by phone.

Main characteristics

Fexco will help you to keep your overseas money transfer costs to a minimum.

Margin 0.6%
Regulator FCA
Fee £10 < £5K or Free > £5k
Mini £1K
Ccy All (130 currencies, incl ‘exotics’)
Services Repatriation of funds, Property, Regular payments, High Value payments, spot, online, telephone.

Get an online quote today

When you are ready to make your transfer, John and his team will be available to help you with better rates and an unrivalled service to make sure your funds are delivered securely and speedily.



Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.


Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).

Go to the Forum to talk more about history of Auckland, overview.

Download the full digital PDF expat guide in Auckland

Download the guide: Auckland, New Zealand
  • See in one single booklet all the articles for a city guide for expatriates.
  • Enjoy full colour photos to illustrate each section.
  • Additionnal maps: Region, City view, Neighborhood, Street view.

  • - My Life Abroad -
    A selection of expat stories

    "A fun compulsive read!"
    J. Matcham, Amazon

    "I strongly advise people ready to live abroad to read this book!"
    Patrice, Amazon