The first Europeans to settle in the area, the Rev James and Mary Wallis, Wesleyan missionaries, were embraced and welcomed by local Māori in 1835. European settlement, including large scale conversion of land to pasture, began in the mid-1850s after a large sale of land by Chief Wiremu Neera Te Awaitaia.. The name "Raglan", adopted in 1858, honours Fitzroy Somerset, 1st Lord …

Ashburton (Māori: Hakatere) is a large town in the Canterbury Region, on the east coast of the South Island of New Zealand.The town is the seat of the Ashburton District.It is 85 kilometres (53 mi) south west of Christchurch and is sometimes regarded as a satellite town of Christchurch.. Ashburton township has a population of 20,600. The town is the 29th-largest urban area in …

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF; Māori: Te Ope Kātua o Aotearoa, lit. "Line of Defence of New Zealand") are the armed forces of New Zealand.The NZDF is responsible for the protection of the national security of New Zealand and her realm, promoting its interests, safeguarding peace and security, as well as supporting peacekeeping and humanitarian …

The education system in New Zealand is a three-tier model which includes primary and intermediate schools, followed by secondary schools (high schools) and tertiary education at universities and polytechnics.The academic year in New Zealand varies between institutions, but generally runs from early February until mid-December for primary schools, late January to late …

New Zealand art consists of the visual and plastic arts (including architecture, woodwork, textiles, and ceramics) originating from New Zealand.It may come from different traditions: indigenous Māori art, that of the early European (or Pākehā) settlers, and later immigrants from Pacific, Asian, and European countries.. Owing to New Zealand's geographic isolation, New Zealand artists …

Time in New Zealand is divided by law into two standard time zones.The main islands use New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), 12 hours in advance of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) / military M (Mike), while the outlying Chatham Islands use Chatham Standard Time (CHAST), 12 hours 45 minutes in advance of UTC / military M^ (Mike-Three).. During summer months – …

Rail transport in New Zealand is an integral part of New Zealand's transport network with 19 million net tonnes moved by rail annually, with 99.5% of New Zealand's exports and imports being transported through the country's seaports.. Rail transport played an important role in the opening up and development of the hinterland outside of New Zealand's predominantly …

Nelson (Māori: Whakatū) is a city on the eastern shores of Tasman Bay / Te Tai-o-Aorere.Nelson is the oldest city in the South Island and the second-oldest settled city in New Zealand – it was established in 1841 and became a city by royal charter in 1858.. Nelson City is bordered to the west and south-west by Tasman District Council and to the north-east, east and south-east by ...

New Zealand has 44 marine reserves (as of August 2020) spread around the North, the South Island, and neighbouring islands, and on outlying island groups. They are governed by the Marine Reserves Act 1971 and administered by the Department of Conservation with assistance from the Ministry of Fisheries, New Zealand Customs and the New Zealand Defence Forces.

Median household income in NZ 2004–2008. Median weekly household income in NZ increased at a rate of about 3.5% a year from 2004 to 2008. In June 2004 it was (NZ)$992, June 2005 was $1,040, June 2006 was $1,129, June 2007 was $1,203, June 2008 was $1,271. Median household income in NZ 2009–2011. Median weekly household income in NZ fell slightly or stagnated …