IntroductionNew Zealand is a large island the size of Colorado located southwest of Australia in the South Pacific. The island is considered to belong to the volcanic "ring of fire" which circulates in the Pacific Ocean. The island features a myriad of varied geographies ranging from flat, sheep-studded plains to impressive mountains (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, New Zealand). Besides geography, the climate also varies from subtropical to temperate (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, New Zealand). The population of 4 million is predominantly made up of people claiming British ancestry, although 15% of the population classify themselves as indigenous Polynesian or Maori (Keith Jackson, “New Zealand”). More than three-quarters of the population increase in the 20th century is the result of population growth rather than immigration (Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs). The nation's culture has also expanded due to the resurgence of Māori culture, and thanks to globalization, New Zealand is governed by a parliamentary democracy, although it is governed by a parliamentary democracy. is also included as a dominion of the United Kingdom.HistoryEarly SettlementNew Zealand is considered one of the last places on earth to be colonized by man (Wilmshurst, 2011, Summary). Thanks to archaeological evidence, we know that New Zealand was colonized. in the 1300s by Eastern Polynesians (Mein Smith 2005, p. 6). Specifically, radiocarbon dating (Wilmshurst 2011, 1815-1820), wayward mitochondrial DNA in the Maori population (Murray-McIntosh 1998, 9047-1820), and signs of deforestation (McGlone, M. 1999, 5- 0) all point to this conclusion. It is also suggested through the evidence that this concluded an extensive succession of c...... middle of paper ......642-1772. Auckland: Penguin Books. p. 82. ISBN 0670832987. Simpson, K (September 2010). "Hobson, William – Biography". To McLintock, Alexander. from the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved 12 November 2011. Sir Kenneth Keith. “On the Constitution of New Zealand: an introduction to the foundations of the present form of government”. Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. Updated 2008. Retrieved November 11, 2011. "The World Factbook – New Zealand". CIA. November 15, 2007. Retrieved November 12, 2011. Wilmshurst, Janet M.; Chase, Terry L.; Lipo, Carl P.; Anderson, Atholl J. (2011). "High-precision radiocarbon dating shows recent and rapid initial human colonization of Eastern Polynesia". Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 108 (5): 1815-1820. doi:10.1073/pnas.1015876108