Get a copy of a WW1 service record. Pre-European society. This branch is headed by Queen Elizabeth II who serves as the chief of state but is represented by a governor general. Legislative power is vested in the single-chamber House of Representatives (Parliament), the members of which are elected for three-year terms. New Zealand is divided into two provinces, New Ulster and New Munster. Commercial re-use may be allowed on request. Māori history in brief. New Zealand's Parliament dates back to 1854, just 14 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi and the beginning of the European settlement of the country. New Zealand's government built "castaway depots" on islands to provide future shipwreck survivors with food, shelter, and supplies. All text is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 New Zealand Licence. Six (eventually 10) provinces are created, with elected superintendents and councils. New Zealand has three branches of government, the first of which is the executive. Colonial government, 1840–1854. It's a taonga (treasure) that our government works to protect. It took six weeks to negotiate and was a … At first it was a Crown colony, which meant it was ruled by a governor appointed by Britain – but European settlers wanted their own government. Some of New Zealand's coins feature characters from The Hobbit. New Zealand - New Zealand - Government and society: New Zealand has a parliamentary form of government based on the British model. New Zealand has a constitutional monarchy system of government, and the chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II. Read the full article This site is produced by the History Group of the New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage. Unlike most countries, New Zealand has no written constitution. Military history, records and medals. Archives New Zealand is in the process of putting the military records of everyone who served in World War I online. The political party or coalition of parties that commands a majority in the House forms the government. The first MMP government was formed by National and NZ First. Between 1840 and 1854, a Governor (representing Queen Victoria) ruled New Zealand. Abel Tasman’s arrival in 1642 is the first firm evidence of Europeans reaching New Zealand. All non-text content is subject to specific conditions. Search the records and medals of New Zealanders at war and get sources for doing your own military research. Crown colony. For most of its history as a nation state, New Zealand has had some form of elected government. 1852 The New Zealand Constitution Act (UK) establishes a system of representative government for New Zealand. The model of local government introduced after New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 had nothing in common with the tribal system practised by Māori. Early Māori explorers. The arrival of Europeans. Branches of Government in New Zealand . Politics and parliamentary history over 150 years — read about vital changes that have affected us all. In 1840, when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed, New Zealand became a colony of Britain. Māori culture and heritage. Māori values and practices — in contact with Europeans. New Zealand was the first country to allow women to vote in 1893. Meet the NZHistory.net.nz team A history of New Zealand's MMP governments. But settlers wanted to elect their representatives, as they had done in Britain. Polynesian explorers and exploration of New Zealand. Māori history European settlement. Māori became one of NZ's 3 official languages in 1987. Māori culture is a big part of NZ’s identity, so respecting, preserving and promoting it is vital. And promoting it is vital NZ ’ s identity, so respecting, preserving and promoting it is.... 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