New Zealand History

In 1840 the first shiploads of British settlers arrive, and the New Zealand Company occupies land around Wellington, New Plymouth, Wanganul and Nelson. Māori see the presence of British settlers as commercially useful.

The New Zealand Flag hasn't always been our official flag. It was adopted in 1902, replacing the Union Jack. Between 1834 and 1840, the Flag of the United Tribes was recognised as our first 'national' flag. Waitangi Day 2010 also marks the first official recognition of the national Maori flag.

Ever since its signing in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi has continued to make an indelible mark on the national story.

Gay History in New Zealand:

29 July 1993
The Human Rights Commission Amendment Act, outlawing discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation ("heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual or lesbian") or HIV, is passed by Parliament after only 1 1/2 days of debate but intensive lobbying.

21 October 1995
Georgina Beyer, a transexual, is elected Mayor of Carterton.

January 1996
Judith Tizard MP (Labour, Panmure) proposes legalising same-sex marriage.

12 October 1996
First MMP General Election. Openly gay MP Chris Carter (Labour, Te Atatu) defeated, but Tim Barnett (Labour, Christchurch Central), first to campaign as openly gay, elected. The Christian Coalition fails to pass the 5% threshold (gets 4.3%) and gains no seats in Parliament

12 September 2004
Same-sex civil unions were introduced into law in New Zealand. Civil union rights include immigration, social welfare and property rights, among other benefits. However, unmarried couples cannot adopt children.