New Zealand is a country of islands located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The history of New Zealand can be traced back to the arrival of Polynesians sometime between 1250 and 1300 AD. These early settlers were the ancestors of the Māori people who still account for about 15% of the country's population.

The first European to discover New Zealand was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman in 1642. However, it wasn't until 1769 that British explorer, James Cook, landed on the shores of the country and claimed it for Britain.

Throughout the 19th century, New Zealand became a British colony with a growing European population. The Māori population was decreased due to conflict, disease, and land confiscation. In the late 1800s, New Zealand became one of the first countries in the world to grant women the right to vote.

In 1907, New Zealand became a dominion and gained a large degree of self-governance. During World War I, the country provided a significant contribution of troops to the Allied forces, which helped to establish New Zealand as an able and determined member of the Commonwealth.

During the 20th century, New Zealand experienced significant social changes with the rise of the welfare state, including the establishment of a comprehensive social security system, free education, and universal healthcare. The country was also a leader in the anti-nuclear movement and became nuclear-free in 1987, a policy that remains in place to this day.

In recent years, New Zealand has become an increasingly diverse and multicultural country, with higher rates of immigration from Asia and the Pacific. Today, it is considered one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with a high standard of living and a well-established social welfare system.

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