The human history of New Zealand can be dated back to between 1320 and 1350 CE, when the main settlement period started, after it was discovered and settled by Polynesians, who developed a distinct Māori culture. Like other Pacific cultures, Māori society was centred on kinship links and connection with the land but, unlike them, it was adapted to a cool, temperate environment rather than a warm, tropical one. The first European explorer known to have visited New Zealand was the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, on 13 December 1642. In 1643 he charted the west coast of the North Island, his expedition then sailed back to Batavia without setting foot on New Zealand soil.
Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand; initially he calls it Staten Landt and ch
Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand; initially he calls it Staten Landt and changes it a year later to Nieuw Zeeland [1]
Historical Significance
The human history of New Zealand can be dated back to between 1320 and 1350 CE, when the main settlement period started, after it was discovered and settled by Polynesians, who developed a distinct Māori culture.
Key People
Events Before
Dutch East India Company conquers the city of Malacca, killing about 7,000 people
Dutch East India Company conquers the city of Malacca, killing about 7,000 people
William II, Prince of Orange (14) marries English princess Mary Henrietta Stuart (9) at Whitehall Palace, London
William II, Prince of Orange (14) marries English princess Mary Henrietta Stuart (9) at Whitehall Palace, London
General Court of Election declares Rhode Island a democracy and adopts a new constitution
General Court of Election declares Rhode Island a democracy and adopts a new constitution
France and Portugal sign anti-Spanish covenant
France and Portugal sign anti-Spanish covenant
Battle at La Marfée Sedan: Earl Soisson beats French government army
Battle at La Marfée Sedan: Earl Soisson beats French government army
Events After
Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Connecticut, and New Haven form the United Colonies of New England
The United Colonies of New England, commonly known as the New England Confederation, was a confederal alliance of the New England colonies of Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, Saybrook (Connecticut), and…
Pavonia Massacre: Dutch US colonists kill 120 Algonquin Native Americans at Communipaw (New Jersey)
Pavonia Massacre: Dutch US colonists kill 120 Algonquin Native Americans at Communipaw (New Jersey)
Tirso de Molina's "Bellaco Sois, Gomez" premieres in Madrid
Tirso de Molina's "Bellaco Sois, Gomez" premieres in Madrid
Lady Blanche Arundell, surrenders Wardour Castle, which she had led the defense of against a siege by Parliamentarian fo
Lady Blanche Arundell, surrenders Wardour Castle, which she had led the defense of against a siege by Parliamentarian forces [1]
Essex County, Massachusetts is founded, which contains the town of Salem in which the notorious witch-trials will occur
Essex County, Massachusetts is founded, which contains the town of Salem in which the notorious witch-trials will occur in 1692
More from the 1640s
Francesco Cavalli's opera "Giasone" premieres in Venice (the most popular opera of the 17th century)
Giasone (Jason) is an opera in three acts and a prologue with music by Francesco Cavalli and a libretto by Giacinto Andrea Cicognini.
The English Rump Parliament votes to put Charles I on trial for treason and other high crimes
The trial of Charles I took place in January 1649, marking the first time a reigning monarch was tried and executed by his own subjects.
Dutch East India Company conquers the city of Malacca, killing about 7,000 people
Dutch East India Company conquers the city of Malacca, killing about 7,000 people
Georgeana (York) in Maine becomes the first incorporated American city
Georgeana (York) in Maine becomes the first incorporated American city
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on December 13, 1642?
- The human history of New Zealand can be dated back to between 1320 and 1350 CE, when the main settlement period started, after it was discovered and settled by Polynesians, who developed a distinct Māori culture. Like other Pacific cultures, Māori society was centred on kinship links and connection with the land but, unlike them, it was adapted to a cool, temperate environment rather than a warm, tropical one. The first European explorer known to have visited New Zealand was the Dutch navigator Abel Tasman, on 13 December 1642.
- Why is Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand... significant?
- The human history of New Zealand can be dated back to between 1320 and 1350 CE, when the main settlement period started, after it was discovered and settled by Polynesians, who developed a distinct Māori culture.
- Who was involved in Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand...?
- Key figures include Abel Tasman (seafarer, explorer and merchant), Abel Tasman (seafarer, explorer and merchant).