metres above sea level. Around one-tenth of 1990–2010. A great range of flora, the North Island (113,729 sq km) is depending on latitude and altitude, from mountainous. Its Rotorua area, a much- subtropical rainforest to alpine, with 25 per visited tourist attraction, has boiling mud cent of plants growing above the tree line. pools and geysers. The South Island Many species are unique to New Zealand. (150,437 sq km) is very mountainous; the Arable land comprises two per cent of the Southern Alps extend almost its entire total land area. length; they have many outlying ranges to Wildlife: Fauna are often also unique the north and south-west; there are at least because of geographical isolation, and 223 peaks more than 2,300 metres above include such flightless birds as kiwis, kakapos sea level and 360 glaciers. There are and wekas, and a great diversity of seabirds, numerous lakes, mostly at high altitude, and many rivers, mostly fast-flowing and difficult as well as 400 kinds of marine fish and many to navigate, which are important sources of sea mammals including 32 whale species. hydroelectricity (which provides more than The introduction of land mammals (unknown 90 per cent of the country’s power). Stewart before the arrival of humans, save for three Island, named after Captain Stewart, who species of bat) by successive settlers, Polynesian and European, has seriously KEY FACTS first charted the island in 1809, and (further out) the Auckland Islands lie south of the damaged the habitat of many species, Joined Commonwealth: 1931 (Statute of South Island. The Chatham and Pitt Islands including the flightless birds – of which the Westminster) are 850 km east of Christchurch. In moa, adzebill and flightless goose have Population: 4,506,000 (2013) addition, the Kermadec Islands were become extinct – and reduced the forest annexed in 1887 and the Ross Dependency area. GDP p.c. growth: 1.5% p.a. 1990–2013 in Antarctica was acquired in 1923. The Main towns: Wellington (capital, pop. UN HDI 2014: World ranking 7 country has a long coastline (15,130 km) in 190,065 in 2013; greater Wellington includes Official languages: English, Maori relation to its area. Lower Hutt, Porirua and Upper Hutt), Time: GMT plus 12–13 hrs Climate: Temperate marine climate Auckland (427,110; greater Auckland Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZ$) influenced by the surrounding ocean, the includes Manukau, North Shore and prevailing westerly winds and the Waitakere), Manukau (greater Auckland, mountainous nature of the islands. The 401,883), Christchurch (353,349), North Geography weather tends to be changeable. Winds can Shore (greater Auckland, 273,594), Waitakere Area: 270,500 sq km be very strong, sometimes damaging (greater Auckland, 206,244), Hamilton Coastline: 15,130 km buildings and trees. Rain, sometimes very (170,571), Tauranga (120,414), Dunedin heavy, occurs throughout the year. Cold (112,032), Lower Hutt (greater Wellington, Capital: Wellington southerly winds bring snow in winter, 97,653), Palmerston North (78,195), Hastings New Zealand’s Maori name is Aotearoa , sometimes in spring. At Wellington, yearly (64,002), Nelson (60,561), Napier (58,221), meaning ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’. A average rainfall is 1,270 mm (143 mm in July, Rotorua (53,268), New Plymouth (52,695), well-watered and fertile mountainous island and averaging 87 mm November–February); Porirua (greater Wellington, 51,537), country in the South Pacific, New Zealand average January temperature is 13–20°C, and Whangarei (49,182) and Invercargill (47,898). consists of two large islands (North Island and July temperature 6–11°C. Most of the South Island), Stewart Island and a number of country experiences at least 2,000 hours of Transport: There are 94,280 km of roads, 66 offshore islands. It is somewhat isolated, sunshine annually. In recent years, weather per cent paved. The railway network, being about 1,600 km east of Australia, the patterns have been affected by La Niña and privatised in 1993 and subsequently nearest land mass. Other neighbouring El Niño; some unusually high temperatures renationalised, extends over 3,900 km, with countries are Vanuatu and Tonga. have been recorded; and drought and many scenic routes. unusually heavy rainfall have occurred. Time: GMT plus 12 hrs. The clock is There are 13 major commercial ports, advanced by one hour from the first Sunday Environment: The most significant including those in Whangarei (shipping oil in October to the third Sunday in March. environmental issues are deforestation and products), Tauranga (timber and newsprint) soil erosion, and the impact on native flora and Bluff (alumina and aluminium) as well as Topography: New Zealand being in the and fauna of species introduced from other container ports in Auckland, Wellington, ‘Pacific ring of fire’, volcanic activity has countries. Lyttleton (near Christchurch) and Dunedin. shaped the landscape. Earthquakes, mostly shallow, are common, and volcanic Vegetation: Forest cover includes species of There are international airports in Auckland eruptions occur in the North Island and conifer, kauri (North Island only) and beech – (23 km to the south of the city), Christchurch offshore to the Kermadec Islands. Some 75 forest covers 31 per cent of the land area, (10 km north-west), Wellington (8 km south- per cent of the country is more than 200 having increased at 0.3 per cent p.a. east), Hamilton and Dunedin.
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand
Society There are many colleges of education across Public holidays: New Year (two days), the country and the University of Waikato has Waitangi Day (anniversary of the 1840 treaty, KEY FACTS 2013 its own School of Education. The tertiary sector 6 February), ANZAC Day (25 April), Queen’s Population per sq km: 17 also includes 20 institutes of technology and Official Birthday (first Monday in June), Life expectancy: 81 years polytechnics, all offering degree courses. The Labour Day (fourth Monday in October), Maori Education Trust – established in 1961 as Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Net primary enrolment: 98% the Maori Education Foundation – awards anniversaries of the former provinces of New Population: 4,506,000 (2013); 86 per cent scholarships and grants to encourage the Zealand are observed locally as holidays. of people live in urban areas and 32 per cent Maori into tertiary education. The female–male Religious and other festivals whose dates vary in urban agglomerations of more than one ratio for gross enrolment in tertiary education from year to year include Good Friday and million people; growth 1.2 per cent p.a. is 1.50:1 (2010). There is virtually no illiteracy Easter Monday. 1990–2013; birth rate 14 per 1,000 people among people aged 15–24. (22 in 1970); life expectancy 81 years (71 in Media: Largest dailies include The New 1970). Economy Zealand Herald (Auckland, the main national KEY FACTS 2013 The 2006 census recorded 2,609,592 people newspaper), The Dominion Post (Wellington) of European origin (65 per cent); 565,329 and The Press (Christchurch). Many other GDP: US$185.8bn people of Polynesian (Maori) descent (14 per daily papers – mostly evening editions – are GDP p.c.: US$41,556 cent); 265,974 Pacific Island Polynesians (6.6 published locally and regionally. The principal GDP growth: 2.0% p.a. 2009–13 per cent), mostly from Samoa (131,103), Sunday papers are Sunday Star-Times and Cook Islands (56,895) and Tonga (50,478); Sunday News . Inflation: 2.2% p.a. 2009–13 some 139,728 Chinese (3.5 per cent); and Broadcasting was deregulated in 1988. From the 1950s the country diversified both 97,443 Indians (2.4 per cent). About 75 per Television New Zealand operates two public its economy and its export markets, reducing cent of people live in North Island, of which channels and further digital channels, and its dependence on sheep and butter. the average population density is 24 per sq Maori Television promotes Maori language Diversification has taken it into new km (South Island: six per sq km). and culture. TV3, Prime TV and Sky TV are agricultural products (kiwi fruit, apples, Language: English and Maori are the official private channels. timber and wine), and seen significant languages and many information documents growth in fishing, tourism, manufacturing Radio New Zealand provides three public are also translated into Polynesian. and services. stations and an external service, RNZI. Ruia Mai Religion: Some 60 per cent of people adhere is a Maori-owned radio station broadcasting in In 1984, after a period when the economy to a religion: Christians 44 per cent (Roman Maori, and Niu FM provides a public service for stalled, inflation was high and the currency Catholics 12 per cent, Anglicans 11 per cent, the Pacific Islander communities. There are devalued, the country embarked on a policy of Presbyterians/Congregational/Reformed eight several private radio stations. liberalisation, deregulation and privatisation. In per cent, Methodists two per cent); Hindus 1989, control of inflation was passed to the Some 97 per cent of households have TV sets two per cent; and Buddhists 1.4 per cent Reserve Bank; the subsequent austerity (2009). There are 826 personal computers (2013 census). measures brought inflation to below two per per 1,000 people (2009). cent by the end of 1991, and tight fiscal policy Health: Public spending on health was nine Communications: Country code 64; internet was maintained. Economic policy has been to per cent of GDP in 2012. Treatment in public domain ‘.nz’. Public phones are generally protect the core of social spending while hospitals is free for everyone. There are phonecard- or credit card-operated. Mobile reducing government expenditure through medical schools at the University of Auckland phone coverage is good. Internet access and privatisations and cost-cutting. New Zealand is and the University of Otago. Infant mortality internet cafes are widely available. a proponent of regional free trade, including was five per 1,000 live births in 2013 (22 in the entire Pacific Rim. 1960). For every 1,000 people there are 411 landlines, 1,058 mobile phone subscriptions The economy grew steadily during the 1990s Education: Public spending on education and 828 internet users (2013). until 1998. By mid-1998 the impact of the was 7.4 per cent of GDP in 2012. There are 12 years of compulsory education starting at the age of five. Primary school comprises six New Zealand on the international stage years and secondary seven, with cycles of Former New Zealand Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Sir Don McKinnon, born in four and three years. The school year starts in London in 1939, was Commonwealth Secretary-General 2000–08. January. Six New Zealanders have won overall Commonwealth Writers’ Prizes: Witi Ihimaera in 1987 Universities New Zealand recognises eight (Best First Book); Janet Frame in 1989; John Cranna in 1990 (Best First Book); Lloyd Jones in government-funded universities with a total 2007; Craig Cliff in 2011 (Best First Book); and Emma Martin in 2012 (Short Story Prize). student enrolment of about 180,000 in 2011: Another author, Eleanor Catton, took the Man Booker Prize in 2013. the Auckland University of Technology; Lincoln University (near Christchurch, South New Zealand is also known for its contribution to sports and filmmaking. The All Blacks Island); Massey University (campuses in won the Rugby World Cup in 2011, for the second time, and have been ranked number Auckland, Palmerston North and Wellington); one in the World Rugby Rankings for more time than all the other rugby nations combined University of Auckland; University of since the rankings were introduced in 2003. Canterbury (at Christchurch, South Island); On the entertainment front, New Zealand was the backdrop for The Lord of the Rings and The University of Otago (main campus at Hobbit film trilogies, which were partly funded by US film studios, as well as making its own Dunedin, South Island); University of Waikato international hits, including Heavenly Creatures and Whale Rider . Dame Kiri Janette Te (main campus at Hamilton); and Victoria Kanawa, born in Gisborne in 1944, is a soprano singer who has performed all over the world. University of Wellington.
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand
Real growth in GDP History was increased to six (and later increased still further) and a general assembly established, % 2.5 The Polynesian ancestors of the present % consisting of the Governor, a nominated Maori, skilled navigators of canoes fitted with Legislative Council (an upper house) and an 2.0 sails and outriggers, arrived in New Zealand elected House of Representatives (a lower around the tenth century from Hawaiki house). This bicameral system lasted until 1.5 (Eastern Polynesia). The Maori population 1950. Maori-occupied land was governed may hagve be en mo r e than 100,000 at the according to Maori custom.
1.0 time the first Europ eans arrived. The
Immigration from Britain increased in the Dutchman Ab el Ta sman sighted New Zealand mid-19th century, and by 1858 settlers 0.5 in 1642 in his search for the southern continent, i.e. Antarctica, but was driven off outnumbered Maori. A census of Maori, in 1857–58, put their numbers at about 0.0 by Maori on his one attempt to land. He 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 named the South Island Nieuw Zeeland after 56,000. Pressure to acquire land from the Dutch province. reluctant Maori led to land wars from 1860 Inflation to 1872, which resulted in general but not James Cook, on a search for the southern absolute European domination. Sheep % 5 continent combined with general scientific farming was expanded in the late 1840s. and navigational observation, sighted the Wool overtook timber and flax as export 4 North Island in 1769. He circumnavigated commodities and in 1882 the first ship both islands and charted the shores. He carrying refrigerated meat sailed for England. 3 visited the country twice more, in 1773–74 There was gold mining on the South Island and in 1777. His encounters with Maori were during the 1860s; this attracted considerable 2 usually peaceful, though occasional European immigration but ended in a slump. skirmishes resulted in one Maori and ten During the 1890s a series of laws turned 1 European deaths. Jean de Surville (France) New Zealand into what was probably the arrived in the country in the mid-1770s; his most socially advanced state in the world. 0 relations with the Maori, bad from the 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 New Zealand women were the first in the beginning, ended in the deaths of 25 of his world to be enfranchised, obtaining the vote men and the subsequent massacre of over in 1893. Men had been enfranchised in GDP by sector (2013) 200 Maori. Cook’s good reports attracted 1890, the year of the country’s first general sealers and traders, some from the new election. From 1936 the country developed community in Sydney (established in 1788 as Agriculture into a pioneering welfare state. 7.0% Port Jackson, a penal settlement), and In 1907, New Zealand became a Dominion – Industry whalers came from America, Britain and 23.6% France. in effect an acknowledgement of its independence, which was formally Services With extensive European arrival, the Maori recognised by the Statute of Westminster in 69.4% suffered severely from influenza, dysentery 1931. In 1947 the last restrictions on the and diphtheria, to which they had no right of its parliament to amend its resistance. In 1814 the Maori were taken Asian financial crisis had become very serious, constitution were removed. under the protection of the British monarch, causing a sharp fall in trade with Asia and the but this protection was not always effective Maori membership of the House of government announced emergency spending in practice. In 1828 the jurisdiction of the Representatives was increased on six cuts. However, in 1999 there was a return to courts of New South Wales was extended to occasions. A Ministry of Maori Development confident growth. New Zealand whose population of European was established in 1992, replacing the Ministry of Maori Affairs. The purpose of the The early 2000s saw the start of a strategy to and European-descended settlers was Ministry of Maori Development is to assist in reduce the gap between rich and poor, which estimated at 2,000 by 1839. Pressure from settlers, traders and missionaries led to developing an environment of opportunity had opened up since the introduction of free- intervention by Britain. On 14 January 1840 and choice for Maori, consistent with the market policies in the mid-1980s. Measures the Governor of New South Wales Treaty of Waitangi. included increases in spending on health, proclaimed British sovereignty over New At the general election in November 1993, education and public housing, focused on the Zealand and appointed a Governor. Under the National Party won 50 seats, the Labour Maori and Pacific Islander communities. the Treaty of Waitangi (6 February 1840) the Party 45 seats. The National Party, not having Economic growth was steady at around four Maori received the full rights and privileges of an overall majority following defections and per cent p.a. 2002–04 but slowed to 1.9 per British subjects, and 46 Maori chiefs ceded realignments, agreed in February 1996 on a cent p.a. during 2004–08. As demand for sovereignty to Queen Victoria, in exchange coalition with the United New Zealand Party, New Zealand’s exports collapsed in the global for retaining ownership of their natural which had seven MPs. recession in 2008, the economy moved resources. The treaty has been widely The first general election under the mixed sharply into recession, resulting in a interpreted and is now applied in all aspects member proportional representation system of New Zealand public life, notably in contraction for the year of 1.9 per cent. was held in October 1996. It gave 53 seats to organisation and employment practice. However, after exports picked up during a grouping consisting of: the National Party 2009–10, the economy began to grow again When New Zealand became a British territory (44 seats) and its allies the Association of and growth was sustained at two to three in 1840, it was divided into two provinces. Consumers and Taxpayers of New Zealand per cent p.a. in 2011–15. Twelve years later the number of provinces (eight) and United New Zealand (one). The
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand
Labour Party won 37 seats, New Zealand First The MMP system is designed to prevent In the July 2002 general election, Labour (52 17 and the Alliance Party 13. Although 34 domination by a majority group and to give seats) and its coalition partner – Progressive parties contested the elections, only five voice to minorities, under-represented in Coalition Party (two) – were unable to received more than five per cent of the votes Westminster (first-past-the-post) systems. It is command a parliamentary majority without and so earned the right to party seats. As no also intended to encourage voting on the the support of smaller parties. These now single party had an overall majority in the basis of policies rather than a party bloc. In included United Future (eight) and the Green 120-member house, New Zealand First held the first election under MMP, the proportion Party (nine). The National Party secured 27 the balance of power. Only when that party of women MPs rose by half to about one- seats and ACT New Zealand nine, while its decided to support the National Party was third of the total and the Maori community former coalition partner, New Zealand First, party leader Jim Bolger able to form a obtained representation to match its 13 per strengthened its position to 13. government. cent share in the population. The September 2005 general election was In November 1997 Bolger announced his very close, but when all the votes were resignation as Prime Minister, when it became Politics counted, the ruling Labour–Progressive clear that Transport Minister Jenny Shipley coalition (Labour 50 seats, Progressive one) Last elections: 20 September 2014 had enough support among National Party was returned for a third successive term and MPs to force his resignation from the job he Next elections: 2017 Helen Clark continued as Prime Minister, still had held continuously since 1990. He took Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, able to command a majority in Parliament on a foreign affairs role outside the cabinet represented by Governor-General, Lt-Gen Sir only with support from New Zealand First until he became US ambassador in April Jerry Mateparae (2011–) (seven) and United Future Party (three). The 1998. National Party won 48 seats and the Green Head of government: Prime Minister John Party six. Key Constitution The National Party – under the leadership of Ruling party: National Party Status: Monarchy under Queen Elizabeth II John Key – won the November 2008 election Women MPs: 30% with 58 seats and 44.9 per cent of votes, and Legislature: New Zealand Parliament In the general election of November 1999 the like previous governments would only be able New Zealand is a constitutional monarchy Labour Party, led by Helen Clark, won 49 to command a majority in the House with and parliamentary democracy, with Queen seats and its coalition partner Alliance ten. support from minority parties. Turnout was Elizabeth II as titular head of state, The National Party, led by Jenny Shipley, took 79.5 per cent and Labour took 43 seats (34.0 represented in the country by the Governor- 39 seats and its ally, the Association of per cent of votes), Green Party nine, ACT General. Consumers and Taxpayers of New Zealand New Zealand five, the Maori Party five, Jim There is a unicameral House of (ACT New Zealand), nine. With the support Anderton’s Progressive one, United Future Representatives, directly elected for a three- of the Green Party (seven seats), Labour was one and New Zealand First none. year term, with universal suffrage for able to command a majority in the 120- In the November 2011 election the National everyone over 18. Voting is not compulsory, member House of Representatives and Helen Party increased its share of votes to 47.3 per though enrolment is. The number of MPs Clark became Prime Minister. cent, though with 59 seats still short of an rose from 99 to 120 in 1996, under the new electoral system when the country moved to Further information a form of proportional representation known as MMP (mixed member proportional). New Zealand government: newzealand.govt.nz Voters have an electorate vote and a party Electoral Commission: www.elections.org.nz vote. The former is used to select an MP in New Zealand Parliament: www.parliament.nz 70 constituencies – including seven Maori Statistics New Zealand: www.stats.govt.nz constituencies – on a first-past-the-post Reserve Bank of New Zealand: www.rbnz.govt.nz basis, while the latter is used to select a Tourism New Zealand: www.tourismnewzealand.com party and determine the total number of Commonwealth Secretariat: www.thecommonwealth.org seats for each party in Parliament. All parties Commonwealth of Nations: www.commonwealthofnations.org/ country/New_Zealand polling more than five per cent of this vote (or with at least one electorate seat) are Media The Dominion Post : www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post entitled to further seats based on the The New Zealand Herald : www.nzherald.co.nz proportion of the party votes cast. Normally The Press : www.stuff.co.nz/the-press 50 party MPs are appointed, bringing the Sunday New s: www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-news total number of members to 120, but this Sunday Star-Times : www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times total can be increased when a party wins Maori Television: www.maoritelevision.com more electorate seats than it is entitled to Niu FM: www.niufm.com according to the party vote. This happened Prime TV: www.primetv.co.nz for the first time in September 2005, when Radio New Zealand: www.radionz.co.nz there was a single Maori Party ‘overhang’ Television New Zealand: tvnz.co.nz MP. TV 3: www.tv3.co.nz Radio New Zealand International: www.rnzi.com The Prime Minister is appointed by the Stuff: www.stuff.co.nz Governor-General on the basis of party New Zealand Press Association: www.nzpa.co.nz strength in the House of Representatives and Scoop: www.scoop.co.nz the Prime Minister appoints a cabinet.
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand
absolute majority in Parliament. Labour took vote did not entitle it to any seats, so its date of departure. Visas are required by most 34 seats (27.5 per cent), the Green Party 14 electorate seat was an ‘overhang’ seat, Commonwealth nationals. Prohibited imports (11.1 per cent), New Zealand First eight (6.6 bringing the total number of members in the include ivory and marine artefacts, for per cent) and the Maori Party three. ACT new Parliament to 121. John Key reached example of turtle shell or whalebone; and New Zealand, Mana and United Future each ‘confidence and supply’ agreements with the some plant species, for example certain won one seat. With the support of ACT and three smaller parties and formed a new orchids. All food; plants and plant material; United Future, John Key was sworn in as government. animals and animal products; and golf clubs Prime Minister for a second time. In must be declared on arrival. December 2011 the National Party formed a International relations Travel within the country: Traffic drives on coalition government with ACT New Zealand, the left. Drivers and passengers are legally New Zealand is a member of Asia–Pacific United Future and the Maori Party. required to wear seat belts at all times. Economic Cooperation, Organisation for The National Party won the election held on Economic Co-operation and Development, New Zealand has a modern and efficient 20 September 2014, with 47.0 per cent of Pacific Community, Pacific Islands Forum, transport network including comprehensive the vote and 60 seats, just short of an United Nations and World Trade air and train services covering North and outright majority. The Labour Party received Organization. South Islands. 25.1 per cent of the vote (32 seats); the Green Party 10.7 per cent (14); and New Travel health: There are no prevalent diseases where appropriate precautionary Zealand First 8.7 per cent (11). The Maori Traveller information measures are recommended. Party, ACT and United Future each won an Immigration and customs: Passports must ‘electorate’ seat. But United Future’s party be valid for at least three months from the There were 2,473,000 tourist arrivals in 2012.
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The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand: associated countries and external territories
Cook Islands and Niue have full self-government in free association with New Zealand. Tokelau and the Ross Dependency in the Antarctic are New Zealand external territories administered directly by New Zealand.
Topography: The southern group of islands, Vegetation: Lush tropical on Rarotonga and Cook Islands which accounts for about 90 per cent of the the fertile southern group of islands. Status: Self-governing in free association total land area, is of mainly volcanic Vegetation on the coral atolls is sparse; with New Zealand. formation. The northern group consists of mainly pandanus and coconuts. Forest covers 66 per cent of the land area (2011). Geography low-lying coral atolls, except for Nassau, a sandy cay. The highest island is Rarotonga, The Cook Islands archipelago lies in the South Wildlife: There is a bird-nesting sanctuary on rising to 653 metres at Te Manga, and Pacific, with the largest island, Rarotonga, Suwarrow. Varied marine life, including coral- 3,013 km north-east of Auckland, New surrounded by a coral reef. Most of the larger reef dwelling species. islands have lagoons surrounded by fertile soil Zealand. There are 15 islands (Rarotonga, Transport/Communications: A 33 km backed by hills. Valuable metals, including Mangaia, Atiu, Mauke, Mitiaro, Aitutaki, surfaced coastal road encircles Rarotonga, Penrhyn, Suwarrow, Manihiki, Rakahanga, significant amounts of manganese nodules, while roads in the outer islands are not Pukapuka, Nassau, Manuae, Takutea, have been discovered on the sea bed and surfaced. Palmerston), of which 13 are inhabited. The cover almost one-third of the Cook Islands’ There are two deep-water ports: one in islands, which form two groups, extend over exclusive economic zone (EEZ). two million sq km of ocean. Rarotonga in the southern group and the Climate: April–November: mild and equable other in Penrhyn in the northern group. Area: 237 sq km (Rarotonga 65 sq km) (20–26°C). December–March: wet and humid Cargo for all outer islands is carried between Main town: Avarua (capital; pop. 13,300 in (22–28°C). Average rainfall on Rarotonga: ship and shore through passages in the reef 2010) on Rarotonga. 2,030 mm p.a. in barges or lighters.
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand: associated countries and external territories
The international airport is 3 km west of weeks. Most islands celebrate their own Islands Party (CIP) and the Democratic Party, Avarua on Rarotonga. Air Rarotonga operates Gospel Day, as well as the National Gospel Day. later becoming the Democratic Alliance Party. internal flights; Air New Zealand, scheduled In the general election in June 1999, the Religious festivals whose dates vary from year services to regional destinations such as coalition of the CIP and recently established to year include Good Friday and Easter Tahiti, Auckland, Suva and Honolulu. New Alliance Party (NAP), led by Norman Monday. George, gained a majority and Sir Geoffrey The international dialling code is 682. Economy Henry, the CIP leader, was confirmed as Prime Society The Cook Islands economy is based on Minister for another five-year term. The CIP Population: 20,630 (2013); population agriculture (especially copra and citrus), won 11 seats, the NAP four – one by one density 87 per sq km; more than half lives on fishing and tourism. The copra industry has vote – and the Democratic Alliance Party Rarotonga and some 74 per cent in urban declined. Clam and pearl oyster farming have (DAP) ten seats. A period of political areas; growth 0.7 per cent p.a. 1990–2012; been developed. Offshore banking was instability followed the elections when first life expectancy 75 years. established in 1982. Tourism, largely in Joe Williams of CIP became Prime Minister, Rarotonga, accounts for around 65 per cent and then, in November 1999, Terepai Maoate The indigenous people are Cook Islands of GDP. There were 122,000 tourist arrivals in of DAP, who formed a government in Maori. There are 56,895 Cook Islanders living 2012, mostly from New Zealand; the coalition with George’s NAP. in New Zealand, more than 70 per cent of numbers holding up well despite the global whom were born there (2006 New Zealand In February 2002 a vote of no confidence downturn in 2008–09. census). Virtually all land is owned by Cook brought Dr Robert Woonton to office, Islands Maori under a land-tenure system, Despite the economy’s relative diversity, in the forming a four-way coalition of DAP, NAP, CIP which precludes its sale or mortgage except 1990s there was a heavy reliance on imports, and independents. In January 2003, following under very constrained circumstances. Land a large civil service (almost 20 per cent of the reunification of the Democratic Party and a may be leased for up to 60 years, again population) and many young people merger with NAP, Woonton formed a new under constrained circumstances. emigrated – largely to New Zealand – though government with a two-thirds majority in the remittances from expatriates make a legislature, and the CIP left the government Language: Maori (official), English significant contribution. After the mid-1990s, and became the opposition. Religion: Mainly Christians (Cook Islands when growth was very slow, the government Constitution Congregationalists). embarked on economic reforms including a Under the 1965 constitution, Cook Islands is Health: Most health services are free, but reduction of civil service jobs from 3,350 in a sovereign state with Queen Elizabeth II as new user charges are being implemented. 1996 to 1,340 in 1998 and of ministries from head of state and a unicameral legislature, There is a central hospital on Rarotonga, plus 52 to 22. which has exhaustive and (since 1981) seven island cottage hospitals, and outpatient There was a surge of growth in 2000 (13.9 exclusive legislative powers (including clinics, health centres and maternity/child per cent) and 2001 (4.9 per cent), before the constitutional reform); the New Zealand clinics. The outer islands are mainly serviced downturn in long-haul tourism after 11 House of Representatives cannot legislate by nurses. There is no malaria, but lifestyle September 2001 and the reduction in air under any circumstances in respect of the diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and services in the Pacific region caused growth Cook Islands. The Parliament has 24 gout are increasing. Infant mortality was to moderate. members elected by universal adult suffrage; eight per 1,000 live births in 2013. History elections are held at intervals of not more Education: There are 11 years of compulsory than five years. The islands were colonised by Polynesians education starting at age five. Net enrolment during the seventh and eighth centuries CE. The cabinet consists of the Prime Minister and ratio for primary is 93 per cent. The school James Cook – the islands take his name – between six and eight ministers of the Prime year starts in January. sighted them in 1773 and in 1789 Rarotonga Minister’s choice. The House of Ariki consists Tertiary education is provided by a teachers’ was visited by the mutineers from The Bounty of hereditary chiefs representing their college, nursing school, tourism training during their bid for freedom. In 1888 the respective islands who are elected annually. school, trade training centre and University of islands were made a British protectorate and The House of Ariki concerns itself largely with the South Pacific extension centre. Overseas administered by a British resident. In 1891 an advising government on issues relating to land scholarships are available for university-level elective federal Parliament was set up, but in use and traditional customs. Local government studies. Cook Islands is a partner in the 1901 it was abolished, following a petition by consists of island councils, district councils regional University of the South Pacific, which prominent Cook Islanders, and the country (vaka ) and village committees. Cook Islands has its main campus in Suva, Fiji. Adult was annexed by New Zealand. residents are also New Zealand citizens. literacy is about 95 per cent. In 1957 a Legislative Assembly was set up, Under a constitutional relationship, New Media: Cook Islands News (daily, in English consisting of 14 members elected by Zealand may exercise, if requested by Cook and Maori), The Cook Islands Herald (weekly) universal adult suffrage. In 1962 the Islands, certain responsibilities for its defence. and Cook Islands Independent (weekly). Legislative Assembly debated the question of Cook Islands has full constitutional capacity There are private providers of radio and TV. the country’s political future and chose self- to conduct its own external affairs and to government in free association with New enter directly into international arrangements Public holidays: New Year’s Day, ANZAC Day Zealand. United Nations observers attended engaging its international responsibility. (25 April), Queen’s Official Birthday (first the general election of April 1965, at New Monday in June), Rarotonga Gospel Day (25 Politics Zealand’s request. Albert Henry became the July, only in Rarotonga), Constitution Day (early Last elections: 9 July 2014 country’s first Premier, after his Cook Islands August), National Gospel Day (26 October), Party won 14 of the 22 seats. Next elections: By 9 July 2019 Christmas Day and Boxing Day. The Constitution Day celebrations begin on the last Since Cook Islands became self-governing, Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, Friday in July and continue for up to two power has alternated between the Cook represented by the Queen’s Representative
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand: associated countries and external territories
Head of government: Prime Minister Henry Climate: Tropical, with cooling south-east Public holidays: New Year’s Day, Takai Puna trade winds and occasional storms. The rainy Commission Holiday (2 January), Waitangi season is December–March. Day (anniversary of the 1840 treaty, 6 Ruling party: Cook Islands Party February), ANZAC Day (25 April), Queen’s Environment: There is increasing attention The general election in September 2004 was Official Birthday (first Monday in June), to conservationist practices to counter loss of a very close contest with a turnout of over 80 Constitution Day (two days in October), soil fertility from traditional slash and burn per cent. The Democratic Party (DP) took 47 Peniamina Day (anniversary of the landing of agriculture. per cent of the votes and won 13 seats to the first missionaries, October), Christmas Day the Cook Islands Party’s (CIP) 44 per cent and Vegetation: Bush and forest. Forest covers and Boxing Day. ten seats. Several of the results including 71 per cent of the land area (2011). Religious and other festivals whose dates vary Prime Minister Robert Woonton’s own Transport/Communications: There are from year to year include Good Friday and narrow majority were challenged. After a some 120 km of paved roads. Easter Monday. recount he had the same number of parliamentary supporters as his CIP opponent Only small ships are able to berth at Alofi, Economy and then declined to stand in the by-election Niue’s port, so goods and passengers are With its tiny economic base, declining that was called for February 2005 and was transferred to and from larger ships in smaller population and limited potential for exports unable to continue in office. In the ensuing vessels. (mainly vegetables, honey and vanilla), Niue is parliamentary vote, Jim Marurai of the DP The international dialling code is 683. There dependent on aid from New Zealand, which was elected Prime Minister. are 723 landlines and 822 internet users per gradually declined during the 1990s. Despite The CIP won a by-election in July 2006 and 1,000 people (2012). attempts to diversify the economy (for example, into offshore finance) it remains the government no longer had a majority in Society Parliament. So an early general election was fragile and self-sufficiency is not likely. There Population: 1,340 (2013); population called in September 2006. The ruling DP won were some 5,000 tourist arrivals in 2012. density five per sq km; some 38 per cent of 14 seats and CIP eight. One seat was tied people live in urban areas; growth –2.3 per History and CIP won the consequent by-election in cent p.a. 1990–2011; life expectancy 72 Samoans and Tongans are thought to have November 2006. years. been Niue’s first inhabitants. The island was The CIP won 16 seats in the November 2010 visited by Captain James Cook in 1774; he The people are largely of Polynesian descent election and the DP the remaining eight. CIP named it ‘Savage Island’ after the warlike (originally from Samoa and Tonga). There are leader Henry Puna was sworn in as Prime reputation of the people. The London 22,476 Niueans living in New Zealand (2006 Minister shortly afterwards. Missionary Society began administering the New Zealand census). The government is island in 1846. It became a British The CIP narrowly won the general election of attempting to stem depopulation and protectorate in 1900, and the following year 9 July 2014 with 12 of the 24 parliamentary encourage Niueans to return home. it was annexed to New Zealand as a seats. The DP secured nine, One Cook Islands Language: Niuean and English are official dependency. Emigration began with the Movement two and one seat was tied. Henry languages; Niuean is the national language. recruitment of Niueans to work in the Puna continued as Prime Minister. phosphate mines of the region. Religion: Mainly Christians (Ekalesia Niue 67 Niue per cent, Roman Catholics ten per cent, In 1974 Niue became self-governing in free Latter-day Saints nine per cent). association with New Zealand. Robert Rex Status: Self-governing in free association was Niue’s first Premier. He remained in post, Health: A new hospital, Niue Foou, opened with New Zealand. with three-yearly general elections, from in 2006 following the devastation of Niue’s 1974 until his death in 1992. He was Geography then only hospital, Lord Liverpool Hospital, by succeeded by Young Vivian, who lost power Cyclone Heta in January 2004. Tropical Niue is a coral island in the South Pacific, to Frank Lui in the elections of March 1993. diseases are not generally prevalent, though stretching 19 km from north to south, lying Lui lost his seat in the general election in 480 km east of Tonga and 930 km west of there have been occasional outbreaks of March 1999 and was succeeded by Sani the Cook Islands. dengue fever. Infant mortality was 21 per Lakatani of the Niue People’s Party (formed in 1,000 live births in 2013. Area: 259 sq km 1987), which gained a majority in the 20-seat Education: There are 12 years of compulsory assembly. Main town: Alofi (capital; pop. 560 in education starting at age five. The 2010); there are 14 villages. The government After ten years of discussions with the USA, a pupil–teacher ratio for both primary and may not sell the freehold to land, but may treaty fixing the sea boundary between Niue secondary is 8:1 (2005). The school year grant 60-year leases. and American Samoa was signed in May starts in January. 1997. Topography: Niue is a raised coral outcrop Education beyond Form 6 is largely provided rising to a height of 65 metres, and full of Constitution in New Zealand, Australia and Fiji. Niue is a caves and fissures. The coast is steep and Under the 1974 constitution, Niue is self- partner in the regional University of the South jagged; a coral reef surrounds the island. governing in free association with New Pacific, which has its main campus in Suva, There are no rivers, but good-quality water Zealand, which is still responsible for defence Fiji. There is an extension centre of the from wells is plentiful. The soil is fertile, but and the conduct of foreign affairs. Its people university in Niue. Adult literacy is virtually not abundant and endangered by over- are citizens of New Zealand and UK subjects. 100 per cent. cropping and by bulldozing and burning to The Legislative Assembly has 20 members clear the land. Since 1983, cover crops have Media: Niue Star is published weekly. Niue (one for each village and six elected every been allowed to grow along with the crops, Broadcasting Corporation provides radio and three years on a common roll) with universal to keep the soil moist. TV services. adult suffrage. Government is headed by the
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand: associated countries and external territories
Premier, elected by the assembly. The cabinet eastern and western ice sheets. The volcanic geo-chemistry. Monitoring of the hole in the consists of the Premier and three members of Mount Erebus rises to 3,794 metres. The ozone layer has recently been undertaken in the assembly. The New Zealand High deep embayment of the Ross Ice Shelf forms the territory. Commissioner conducts transactions between part of the western ice sheet; here, at 30–60 History the Niue and New Zealand governments. metres, the ice is 200–300 years old and There are 14 village councils whose members samples show the increase in atmospheric From the early 18th century CE European are elected and serve for three years. pollution at the start of the industrial explorers ventured into the waters of the far revolution in Europe. Flat-topped tabular south. In 1700 astronomer and explorer Politics icebergs, peculiar to the Antarctic (Arctic Edmond Halley, encountering icebergs, Last elections: 12 April 2014 bergs are jagged), break off the ice cliffs and described them as ‘great islands of ice of so Next elections: 2017 drift north. Bergs are 30–45 metres high (four incredible a height and magnitude’. Among or five times deeper below the surface) and subsequent explorers, James Cook reached Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, up to 145 km long. As they move north, the the high latitude of 71°S in 1774. From the represented by the Governor-General of New bergs calve (that is, fracture), emitting a late 18th century commercial interests took Zealand continuous sound like frying fat as they melt. off with the hunting of wildlife. In 1821–22 Head of government: Premier Toke Talagi In fine weather, the air is very clear, allowing alone some 320,000 fur seals were killed; elephant and fur seals were slaughtered Until 1987 – when the Niue People’s Party distant vistas of great sharpness. almost to extinction. Whales were similarly (NPP) was formed – politics was conducted Climate: The Antarctic latitudes are far colder hunted and fell victim to the improving on an individual and not a party basis. In the than their Arctic equivalents. The Antarctic technology of harpooning. general election in April 2002 there was close climate is bitter, windy and inhospitable to 100 per cent voter turnout and all 20 (average temperature at the Pole is -50°C). James Ross, leading a British expedition in the assembly members were returned, eight of Fierce winds blowing outwards from the mid-19th century, explored the embayment the village representatives unopposed. The central plateau scour the icy surfaces; of what is now known as the Ross Sea. He NPP won six seats and formed a government blizzards can rage for weeks. During white- saw the volcano of Mount Erebus and the ice with the support of independent members. outs, shadows and horizon vanish as the light barrier, collected numerous marine specimens Young Vivian of the NPP became Premier. In from the overcast sky bounces off the snow. (subsequently lost or damaged), and 2003 the NPP was dissolved. Snowfall is light near the South Pole, heavier conducted experiments, advanced for their time, on ocean depths and temperatures. In the April 2005 election Vivian was elected at the coastal margins. Within the Antarctic unopposed, and was subsequently confirmed circle, winter days are very short, with In the 20th century, Antarctic expeditions, as Premier when he received the corresponding days of midnight polar sun in both for polar exploration and scientific endorsement of 17 of the 20 assembly summer. purposes, were sponsored by various nations. members. Wildlife: The Antarctic landmass is barren: it In 1911, the Norwegian Roald Amundsen, camped on the eastern side of the Ross Sea, In the Niue Assembly vote following the is treeless and virtually plantless, with only reached the South Pole. A month later, general election in June 2008, Toke Talagi lichens and mosses able to survive. However, Captain Robert Scott’s British team reached defeated incumbent Premier Young Vivian by the Antarctic waters are rich in plankton and the South Pole from their camp on the 14 votes to five and became Premier for the shrimp-like krill which attract larger marine life. There are 18 species of penguins, of western side of the Ross Sea, but perished on first time. which only the emperor and Adélie penguins the return journey, victims of atrocious Following the May 2011 general election are truly Antarctic, spending their entire lives weather and faulty planning. Later explorers Talagi was re-elected Premier with the on the coast or close to its shores. Other include the American Richard Byrd, the first support of 12 of the 20 assembly members. birds include skuas and petrels. There are six to fly over the South Pole. species of seal in Antarctic waters; the Ross Following a general election on 12 April After World War II, the International Whaling seal (nicknamed the ‘singing seal’ for its 2014, in a Niue Assembly vote on 24 April, Commission banned the hunting of certain gentle cooing noise) inhabits the perennial incumbent Premier Talagi defeated Stanley species of whales, but the numbers of right, pack ice and gives birth on the ice. The fur Kalauni by 12 votes to eight. humpback, blue and fin whales remain seal (once hunted almost to extinction and vestigial in the Southern Ocean. Seals are now protected) has small ears and is closer to protected under a convention of 1971. The Ross Dependency the sea-lion. Various species of whales visit Status: New Zealand external territory, the region. In 1923 steps were taken to assent directly administered by New Zealand. sovereignty over the Antarctic territory by Society vesting administration in the New Zealand Geography Population: There are no permanent government by an order in council under the The Ross Dependency in the Antarctic inhabitants, but the Scott Base on Ross Island British Settlements Act of 1887. The New comprises all the islands and territories south is staffed all the year round and there are two Zealand Antarctic Expedition established Scott of 60°S latitude between 160°E and 150°W seasonal bases. Base on Ross Island in 1957; the following longitude. Economy year, the Ross Dependency Research Area: Estimated at 413,540 sq km and Committee was appointed to co-ordinate all There is no economic activity and the permanent shelf ice of 336,770 sq km. New Zealand activity in the dependency. continent is protected under the Antarctic Topography: Antarctica is a vast plateau Treaty. A continuing programme of scientific In 1959, 12 nations, including New Zealand, continent, covered in ice, its landscape made research has been carried out since 1958 signed the Antarctic Treaty, which reserves up of glaciers, mountain ranges and deep under the New Zealand Antarctic Research the Antarctic for peaceful purposes. The crevasses. The Transantarctic Mountains Programme. Areas of study include zoology, parties have agreed to freeze territorial extend across the continent, dividing the botany, geology, meteorology, limnology and claims, conduct scientific research according
The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015 New Zealand: associated countries and external territories
to accepted international standards, to share rise in sea level as a result of the greenhouse other Pacific countries, and there are links research and not to test nuclear or other effect of atmospheric pollution could put the with the regional University of the South weapons. By 2013, the treaty had been territory at risk. The soil is thin and infertile. Pacific in Fiji. signed by 50 countries. Climate: Tropical with average annual Media: There is one newspaper (not daily) Administration temperature of 28°C and heavy rainfall. and a radio station on each atoll to broadcast shipping and weather reports. In 1995 the government concluded a year- Transport/Communications: There are no long review of New Zealand’s Antarctic roads, no airstrip and no harbour. Vessels Economy structure. Key outcomes included the anchor offshore, and there is a regular sea Subsistence farming (coconuts, fruit), establishment of a New Zealand Antarctic link between the atolls and with Samoa. livestock production (pigs, ducks, poultry, Institute (Antarctica New Zealand), and the Tokelau was the last country in the world goats) and fishing are the principal continuation of the Officials’ Antarctic without a telephone system. All government economic activities. There is a tuna- Committee (OAC) with enhanced terms of departments and most households are now processing plant on Atafu and some reference. connected to the telephone network. The handicraft production. Revenue is also The OAC is an interdepartmental committee international dialling code is 690. raised through the sale of licences to fish in that contributes policy advice on Antarctic Tokelau’s exclusive economic zone and affairs to the government. Antarctica New Society through philatelic sales. Remittances from Zealand is responsible for developing and Population: 1,200 (2013), with about one- expatriate Tokelauans are an important managing New Zealand’s national activities in third of people on each of Atafu, Nukunonu source of income. and Fakaofo; population density for the the Ross Dependency and New Zealand’s History activities generally in Antarctica, and is a territory as a whole is 119 per sq km. The islands became a British protectorate in Crown entity managed by the Ministry of Population has been declining, with 1877. In 1916, the islands (known as the Foreign Affairs and Trade. emigration mainly to New Zealand and Union Islands until 1946) were annexed by Samoa (about 6,800 Tokelauans live in New the UK and included within the Gilbert and Tokelau Zealand, 2006 New Zealand census). The Ellice Islands Colony. In 1925, the Tokelau people are of Polynesian origin. Status: New Zealand external territory, group was separated from the Colony and directly administered by New Zealand. Language: Tokelauan is the official language; New Zealand assumed responsibility for English widely spoken. Local dialects are also administration. In 1948, it was included Geography spoken. ‘within the territorial boundaries’ of New Tokelau consists of three atolls (Atafu, Zealand. The Tokelau Public Service, formerly Religion: Mainly Christians Nukunonu and Fakaofo) lying in the South based in Apia, Samoa, has now largely been (Congregationalists 58 per cent and Roman Pacific 480 km north of Apia, Samoa. The relocated to the islands. Catholics 37 per cent). atolls are scattered: Atafu lies 64 km north- west of Nukunonu, and Fakaofo 92 km Health: Each of the three atolls has a 12-bed Administration south-east of Nukunonu. hospital manned by at least one doctor, There is an Administrator responsible to the several nurses and nurses’ aides. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Area: Atafu (2.03 sq km), Nukunonu (5.46 Zealand. (The Administrator may also be the sq km) and Fakaofo (2.63 sq km) – totalling Education: Compulsory from age five to 15. Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade but at 10.12 sq km. There are three government schools, one on present the post is separate.) The Tokelau each atoll, providing education at all levels. Topography: Each atoll consists of a number Apia Liaison Office (that is, the government of low-lying islets, surrounding a lagoon, Additional secondary, tertiary and vocational office) is located in Samoa because of its nowhere higher than five metres. The projected education is provided in New Zealand and better communications.
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The CommoNwealTh Yearbook 2015