135-632: Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus The Australasian swamphen , also commonly known as the pūkeko ( Porphyrio melanotus ), is a striking and socially complex bird endemic to New Zealand and other parts of Australasia , including eastern Indonesia (the Moluccas , Aru and Kai Islands ), Papua New Guinea , and Australia . A member of the Rallidae family, the pūkeko is part of the diverse order Gruiformes , which includes species with similar characteristics such as cranes and other rail species. Within
270-557: A minority government can be formed if support from other parties during confidence and supply votes is assured. The governor-general appoints ministers under advice from the prime minister, who is by convention the parliamentary leader of the governing party or coalition. Cabinet , formed by ministers and led by the prime minister, is the highest policy-making body in government and responsible for deciding significant government actions. Members of Cabinet make major decisions collectively and are therefore collectively responsible for
405-450: A predator and prey species within their ecosystems. Their foraging habits extend beyond natural environments, often leading them to forage on roadsides, where they seek out invertebrates struck by vehicles and graze on grass shoots from mown verges. In these areas, they also ingest grit, which aids in processing food in their gizzards . Pūkeko are bold foragers and have a history of raiding gardens for crops such as kumara and taro ,
540-471: A protectionist and highly regulated economy to a liberalised free-trade economy. Unemployment peaked just above 10% in 1991 and 1992, following the 1987 share market crash , but eventually fell to 3.7% in 2007 (ranking third from twenty-seven comparable OECD nations). However, the global financial crisis that followed had a major effect on New Zealand, with the GDP shrinking for five consecutive quarters,
675-458: A behaviour that has continued as they adapted to European farmland by feeding on grain and vegetable crops. Their foraging activities can sometimes result in the uprooting of vegetation, including tree seedlings and crops, which has led to pūkeko being culled under permit in certain areas. Though considered native to New Zealand as a self-introduced species, pūkeko are unique in their dual role as both predators of young birds and crop foragers,
810-426: A behaviour that occasionally places them in conflict with agricultural interests. Pūkeko exhibit a complex polygynandrous mating system, where both sexes mate with multiple partners, and groups typically consist of three to seven breeding males and one or two breeding females. These females lay their eggs in a single nest, resulting in joint laying—a rare avian breeding system where multiple females contribute eggs to
945-682: A contrasting white undertail. They have a large, bright red bill and an expanded frontal shield that extends from their culmen , giving them a distinctive appearance. Their throat and breast are purple, contributing to their striking colour pattern. Variations exist across subspecies, with some having greener or bluer upper-parts or smaller body sizes depending on the region. The New Zealand population (along with green-yellow swamphens in Tasmania ) are possibly slightly larger than mainland Australian birds, but are otherwise identical. The Australasian swamphen occurs in mainland Australia, eastern Indonesia,
1080-589: A copy was sent to King William IV who had already acknowledged the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand, and who recognised the declaration in a letter from Lord Glenelg . Aotearoa (pronounced [aɔˈtɛaɾɔa] in Māori and / ˌ aʊ t ɛəˈr oʊ . ə / in English; often translated as 'land of the long white cloud') is the current Māori name for New Zealand. It is unknown whether Māori had
1215-566: A deep evolutionary history, with its origins dating back to the Eocene epoch, approximately 40 million years ago. The rails belong to the order Gruiformes, which is split into two main suborders: Gruoidea, containing cranes (family Gruidae), and Ralloidea, which is dominated by the rail family. Within the Rallidae family, there are about 40 genera organised into nine tribes. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that Porphyrio porphyrio ,
1350-427: A group contribute equally to parental care , probably due to the fact that there is no precise estimate of their share of paternity and they are unable to recognise their own young. Australasian swamphens exhibit complex territorial and dominance behaviours, with breeding pairs and groups defending their home range as an all-purpose territory. However, at the boundaries of these territories, defence transitions to
1485-436: A hard or fleshy plate of specialised skin extending from the base of the upper bill over the forehead . The size, shape and colour may exhibit testosterone -dependent variation in either sex during the year. Functionality appears to relate to protection of the face while feeding in, or moving through, dense vegetation, as well as to courtship display and territorial defence. It is a characteristic of some water birds in
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#17327943463581620-593: A head bow posture, typically from male to female but sometimes reversed. Courtship usually involves a humming call, given by males before mounting. Pūkeko exhibit specific behaviours during the incubation and rearing of their young. A 1980 study showed that the incubation period for their eggs averages around 25 days, typically lasting between 23 and 27 days for eggs laid after continuous incubation has begun, while earlier-laid eggs may take up to 29 days to hatch. During this period, only adults are responsible for incubation, with females generally taking more shifts than males;
1755-506: A high level of innovation . Poverty in New Zealand is characterised by growing income inequality; wealth in New Zealand is highly concentrated , with the top 1% of the population owning 16% of the country's wealth, and the richest 5% owning 38%, leaving a stark contrast where half the population, including state beneficiaries and pensioners, receive less than $ 24,000. Moreover, child poverty in New Zealand has been identified by
1890-588: A linear dominance hierarchy within these groups that is reinforced by physical traits, such as the size of the bird's frontal shield, which serves as a signal of social dominance. The Australasian swamphen, Porphyrio melanotus , is a communal gallinule and a member of the rail family, Rallidae. The Rallidae family is a diverse group of non-passerine birds (birds that do not belong to the order Passeriformes , which includes perching birds and songbirds) with primarily terrestrial habits, characterised by relatively short wings and strong, often elongated bills. This family has
2025-623: A name for the whole country before the arrival of Europeans; Aotearoa originally referred to just the North Island . Māori had several traditional names for the two main islands, including Te Ika-a-Māui ( ' the fish of Māui ' ) for the North Island and Te Waipounamu ( ' the waters of greenstone ' ) or Te Waka o Aoraki ( ' the canoe of Aoraki ' ) for the South Island . Early European maps labelled
2160-785: A party must win at least one electorate or 5% of the total party vote before it is eligible for a seat. Elections since the 1930s have been dominated by two political parties , National and Labour . More parties have been represented in Parliament since the introduction of MMP. New Zealand's judiciary , headed by the chief justice , includes the Supreme Court , Court of Appeal , the High Court , and subordinate courts. Judges and judicial officers are appointed non-politically and under strict rules regarding tenure to help maintain judicial independence . This theoretically allows
2295-412: A pūkeko (kua pūkekotia) The bird's striking red bill and shield are often viewed as incongruous; while its behaviour may be objectionable, the colour red signifies high status in many contexts within Māori culture. Various myths further explain the pūkeko's attributes. In one tale, the trickster Māui becomes angered with the pūkeko, singeing its head during his quest for fire. Another myth attributes
2430-503: A shared Trans-Tasman identity between the two countries stemming from centuries of British colonisation. Nationally, legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament , while executive political power is exercised by the Government , led by the prime minister , currently Christopher Luxon . Charles III is the country's king and is represented by the governor-general , Cindy Kiro . In addition, New Zealand
2565-427: A similar trend to dairy, the number of vineyards doubling over the same period, overtaking wool exports for the first time in 2007. Frontal shield A frontal shield , also known as a facial shield or frontal plate , is a feature of the anatomy of several bird species. Located just above the upper mandible, and protruding along the forehead, it is composed of two main parts: a hard, proteinaceous callus and
2700-492: A soft, fleshy corium . It is thought to play roles in protection, mate identification, sexual selection, and territorial defense. The callus is a hard, keratinous section of the frontal plate located highest on the forehead. It is generally more pigmented than the surrounding corium. Underneath the callus is a Malpighian layer of tissue that connects the structure to the maxilla. This layer is supplied with blood via vessel-containing dermal papillae. It has been observed to resemble
2835-426: A space-related dominance system. All members of a group, including juveniles, actively participate in territory defence, demonstrating a collective effort. Outside of the breeding season, part of the population forms flocks , and within these groups, a linear hierarchy emerges where males dominate females and adults assert dominance over yearlings and juveniles. Dominance hierarchies are well established, influencing
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#17327943463582970-459: A tiny, isolated rock in the Kermadec group, more than 200 km from the nearest established population. This demonstrates the ability of swamphens to fly great distances over the sea. The Australasian swamphen primarily inhabits swamps and marshes across Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. In New Zealand, these birds thrive in wet lowlands and breed in swamps, but they also utilise
3105-639: A trade which provided the basis for strong economic growth in New Zealand. High demand for agricultural products from the United Kingdom and the United States helped New Zealanders achieve higher living standards than both Australia and Western Europe in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1973, New Zealand's export market was reduced when the United Kingdom joined the European Economic Community and other compounding factors, such as
3240-1389: A variety of habitats such as pastures , crops, farm ponds, road verges, and forest margins. This adaptability has enabled them to exploit feeding opportunities that arose following large-scale lowland clearance and swamp drainage over the past 150 years. Typically found in low-lying wetlands with vegetation like flax , raupo, and rushes , the pūkeko is also common in estuaries , salt marshes , and along riverbanks. Their large feet allow them to traverse swampy terrain without sinking, and while not webbed, they provide enough propulsion for swimming. Additionally, they are known for their speed, making them swift runners across their diverse habitats. Pūkeko exhibit diverse feeding and foraging habits, making use of both plant and animal resources in their diet. Primarily, they consume plant material, including stems, shoots, leaves, and seeds of various grasses, sedges, rushes, and clover. However, they are also opportunistic feeders , supplementing their diet with animal matter, primarily invertebrates. Notably, pūkeko have been observed preying on larger vertebrate species, such as pied stilt eggs, Eurasian blackbird chicks, and pāteke and mallard ducklings in New Zealand, as well as common starlings , myna chicks, black swan eggs and cygnets in Australia. This positions them as both
3375-429: A written account given over 100 years ago, Māori were described as trapping pūkeko (near Lake Taupō ). They would choose a suitable place where pūkeko were known to feed, and drive a series of stakes into the ground. These stakes were connected by a fine flax string. Hair-like nooses (made from cabbage tree fibre) were then dangled at the appropriate height, from the flax string, to catch pūkeko as they fed after dusk, in
3510-490: A yearly average of more than 2,000 hours of sunshine. The southern and southwestern parts of the South Island have a cooler and cloudier climate, with around 1,400–1,600 hours; the northern and northeastern parts of the South Island are the sunniest areas of the country and receive about 2,400–2,500 hours. The general snow season is early June until early October, though cold snaps can occur outside this season. Snowfall
3645-603: Is Wellington , and its most populous city is Auckland . The islands of New Zealand were the last large habitable land to be settled by humans. Between about 1280 and 1350, Polynesians began to settle in the islands and subsequently developed a distinctive Māori culture . In 1642, the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight and record New Zealand. In 1769 the British explorer Captain James Cook became
3780-617: Is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy , although its constitution is not codified . Charles III is the King of New Zealand and thus the head of state . The king is represented by the governor-general , whom he appoints on the advice of the prime minister . The governor-general can exercise the Crown 's prerogative powers , such as reviewing cases of injustice and making appointments of ministers , ambassadors, and other key public officials, and in rare situations,
3915-743: Is a member of the United Nations , the Commonwealth of Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and participates in the Five Power Defence Arrangements . Today, New Zealand enjoys particularly close relations with the United States and is one of its major non-NATO allies , as well as with Australia , with a " Trans-Tasman " identity between citizens of
4050-593: Is also a significant source of revenue. New Zealand is a member of the United Nations , Commonwealth of Nations , ANZUS , UKUSA , Five Eyes , OECD , ASEAN Plus Six , Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation , the Pacific Community and the Pacific Islands Forum . It enjoys particularly close relations with the United States and is one of its major non-NATO allies ; the United Kingdom; Samoa , Fiji , and Tonga ; and with Australia , with
4185-480: Is also consistent with a much debated questionable third line of oral evidence, traditional genealogies ( whakapapa ) which point to around 1350 as a probable arrival date for many of the founding canoes ( waka ) from which many Māori trace their descent. Some Māori later migrated to the Chatham Islands where they developed their distinct Moriori culture. A later 1835 invasion by Māori resulted in
Australasian swamphen - Misplaced Pages Continue
4320-582: Is classified as a non-self-governing territory , but is administered by a council of three elders (one from each Tokelauan atoll ). The Ross Dependency is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica , where it operates the Scott Base research facility. New Zealand nationality law treats all parts of the realm equally, so most people born in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau, and
4455-869: Is common in the eastern and southern parts of the South Island and mountain areas across the country. New Zealand's geographic isolation for 80 million years and island biogeography has influenced evolution of the country's species of animals , fungi and plants . Physical isolation has caused biological isolation, resulting in a dynamic evolutionary ecology with examples of distinctive plants and animals as well as populations of widespread species. The flora and fauna of New Zealand were originally thought to have originated from New Zealand's fragmentation off from Gondwana, however more recent evidence postulates species resulted from dispersal. About 82% of New Zealand's indigenous vascular plants are endemic , covering 1,944 species across 65 genera . The number of fungi recorded from New Zealand, including lichen-forming species,
4590-466: Is equivalent to 15% of the population of New Zealand. New Zealand has a strong presence among the Pacific Island countries, and enjoys strong diplomatic relations with Samoa , Fiji , and Tonga , and among smaller nations. A large proportion of New Zealand's aid goes to these countries, and many Pacific people migrate to New Zealand for employment. The increase of this since the 1960s led to
4725-440: Is heavily dependent on international trade, particularly in agricultural products. Exports account for 24% of its output, making New Zealand vulnerable to international commodity prices and global economic slowdowns . Food products made up 55% of the value of all the country's exports in 2014; wood was the second largest earner (7%). New Zealand's main trading partners, as at June 2018 , are China ( NZ$ 27.8b), Australia ($ 26.2b),
4860-553: Is made up of two main islands and more than 700 smaller islands . The two main islands (the North Island , or Te Ika-a-Māui , and the South Island , or Te Waipounamu ) are separated by Cook Strait , 22 kilometres (14 mi) wide at its narrowest point. Besides the North and South Islands, the five largest inhabited islands are Stewart Island (across the Foveaux Strait ), Chatham Island , Great Barrier Island (in
4995-502: Is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening of culture arising from increased immigration to the country . The official languages are English, Māori , and New Zealand Sign Language , with the local dialect of English being dominant. A developed country , it was the first to introduce a minimum wage , and the first to give women the right to vote . It ranks very highly in international measures of quality of life , human rights , and it has one of
5130-436: Is not known, nor is the proportion of those fungi which are endemic, but one estimate suggests there are about 2,300 species of lichen-forming fungi in New Zealand and 40% of these are endemic. The two main types of forest are those dominated by broadleaf trees with emergent podocarps , or by southern beech in cooler climates. The remaining vegetation types consist of grasslands, the majority of which are tussock . Before
5265-559: Is often found in swamps , marshes , and other wet lowland areas, though its habitat has expanded to include pastures , roadside verges, and farmland, due to significant landscape changes in New Zealand over the last 150 years. Unlike many other wetland birds, the pūkeko is highly opportunistic and adaptable, thriving in both natural and human-modified environments. Its diet reflects this adaptability, consisting primarily of plant material such as grass stems, shoots, and leaves, but also including animal matter like invertebrates and, occasionally,
5400-568: Is organised into 11 regional councils and 67 territorial authorities for local government purposes. The Realm of New Zealand also includes Tokelau (a dependent territory ); the Cook Islands and Niue (self-governing states in free association with New Zealand); and the Ross Dependency , which is New Zealand's territorial claim in Antarctica . The first European visitor to New Zealand, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman , named
5535-458: Is that, whether or not some settlers arrived before 1314, the main settlement period was in the subsequent decades, possibly involving a coordinated mass migration. It is also the broad consensus of historians that the Polynesian settlement of New Zealand was planned and deliberate. Over the centuries that followed, the settlers developed a distinct culture now known as Māori. This scenario
Australasian swamphen - Misplaced Pages Continue
5670-451: Is therefore thought to be attributed to hatching order rather than offspring sex. Courtship behaviours in pūkeko include allopreening , courtship feeding , mounting, and copulation , which can occur between all adult members of the territory, though male-female interactions are the most frequent. Courting behaviours, such as preening and feeding, often appear symbolic, with the passing of food, like small pieces of duckweed , occurring in
5805-463: Is thought to have been self-introduced from Australia about 1,000 years ago. However, Māori from the east coast hold the belief that their ancestors brought the pūkeko to New Zealand aboard the vessel Horouta , which arrived from Polynesia approximately twenty-four generations ago. In contrast, west coast tribes connected to the Aotea waka assert that their ancestors introduced the pūkeko, along with
5940-519: Is to regulate "the natural environment with particular emphasis on resource management ", while territorial authorities are responsible for sewage, water, local roads, building consents, and other local matters. Five of the territorial councils are unitary authorities and also act as regional councils. The territorial authorities consist of 13 city councils, 53 district councils, and the Chatham Islands Council. While officially
6075-635: The 1973 oil and 1979 energy crises, led to a severe economic depression . Living standards in New Zealand fell behind those of Australia and Western Europe, and by 1982 New Zealand had the lowest per-capita income of all the developed nations surveyed by the World Bank . In the mid-1980s New Zealand deregulated its agricultural sector by phasing out subsidies over a three-year period. Since 1984, successive governments engaged in major macroeconomic restructuring (known first as Rogernomics and then Ruthanasia ), rapidly transforming New Zealand from
6210-872: The ANZAC tradition it shares with Australia. In addition to Vietnam and the two world wars, New Zealand fought in the Second Boer War , the Korean War , the Malayan Emergency , the Gulf War , and the Afghanistan War . It has contributed forces to several regional and global peacekeeping missions, such as those in Cyprus , Somalia , Bosnia and Herzegovina , the Sinai , Angola , Cambodia ,
6345-685: The European Union ($ 22.9b), the United States ($ 17.6b), and Japan ($ 8.4b). On 7 April 2008, New Zealand and China signed the New Zealand–China Free Trade Agreement , the first such agreement China has signed with a developed country. In July 2023, New Zealand and the European Union entered into the EU–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement , which eliminated tariffs on several goods traded between
6480-725: The Gondwanan supercontinent. About 25 million years ago, a shift in plate tectonic movements began to contort and crumple the region. This is now most evident in the Southern Alps, formed by compression of the crust beside the Alpine Fault . Elsewhere, the plate boundary involves the subduction of one plate under the other, producing the Puysegur Trench to the south, the Hikurangi Trough east of
6615-621: The Great Depression . The depression led to the election of the first Labour Government and the establishment of a comprehensive welfare state and a protectionist economy. New Zealand experienced increasing prosperity following the Second World War, and Māori began to leave their traditional rural life and move to the cities in search of work. A Māori protest movement developed, which criticised Eurocentrism and worked for greater recognition of Māori culture and of
6750-628: The Hauraki Gulf ), D'Urville Island (in the Marlborough Sounds ) and Waiheke Island (about 22 km (14 mi) from central Auckland). New Zealand is long and narrow—over 1,600 kilometres (990 mi) along its north-north-east axis with a maximum width of 400 kilometres (250 mi) —with about 15,000 km (9,300 mi) of coastline and a total land area of 268,000 square kilometres (103,500 sq mi). Because of its far-flung outlying islands and long coastline,
6885-581: The Iran–Iraq border, Bougainville , East Timor , and the Solomon Islands . New Zealand has an advanced market economy , ranked 13th in the 2021 Human Development Index , and fourth in the 2022 Index of Economic Freedom . It is a high-income economy with a nominal gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$ 36,254. The currency is the New Zealand dollar , informally known as
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#17327943463587020-584: The Legislative Council , until this was abolished in 1950. The supremacy of parliament over the Crown and other government institutions was established in England by the Bill of Rights 1689 and has been ratified as law in New Zealand. The House of Representatives is democratically elected, and a government is formed from the party or coalition with the majority of seats. If no majority is formed,
7155-532: The South Island ( Te Waipounamu )—and over 700 smaller islands . It is the sixth-largest island country by area and lies east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and south of the islands of New Caledonia , Fiji , and Tonga . The country's varied topography and sharp mountain peaks, including the Southern Alps , owe much to tectonic uplift and volcanic eruptions. New Zealand's capital city
7290-691: The Statute of Westminster , confirming that the British Parliament could no longer legislate for the country without its consent. The British government's residual legislative powers were later removed by the Constitution Act 1986 , and final rights of appeal to British courts were abolished in 2003. Early in the 20th century , New Zealand was involved in world affairs, fighting in the First and Second World Wars and suffering through
7425-675: The United Kingdom and negotiate a treaty with the Māori. The Treaty of Waitangi was first signed in the Bay of Islands on 6 February 1840. In response to the New Zealand Company's attempts to establish an independent settlement in Wellington , Hobson declared British sovereignty over all of New Zealand on 21 May 1840, even though copies of the treaty were still circulating throughout the country for Māori to sign. With
7560-624: The United States Department of State noted that the New Zealand government generally respected the rights of individuals, but voiced concerns regarding the social status of the Māori population. In terms of structural discrimination , the New Zealand Human Rights Commission has asserted that there is strong, consistent evidence that it is a real and ongoing socioeconomic issue. One example of structural inequality in New Zealand can be seen in
7695-641: The West Coast of the South Island to semi-arid in Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin of inland Canterbury and subtropical in Northland . Of the seven largest cities, Christchurch is the driest, receiving on average only 618 millimetres (24.3 in) of rain per year and Wellington the wettest, receiving almost twice that amount. Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch all receive
7830-413: The alienation and confiscation of large amounts of Māori land. New Zealand became a dominion in 1907; it gained full statutory independence in 1947, retaining the monarch as head of state . Today, the majority of New Zealand's population of 5.25 million is of European descent ; the indigenous Māori are the largest minority, followed by Asians and Pasifika . Reflecting this, New Zealand's culture
7965-478: The caldera of one of the world's most active supervolcanoes . New Zealand is prone to earthquakes . The country owes its varied topography, and perhaps even its emergence above the waves, to the dynamic boundary it straddles between the Pacific and Indo-Australian Plates . New Zealand is part of Zealandia , a microcontinent nearly half the size of Australia that gradually submerged after breaking away from
8100-466: The copulations of rivals, they copulate frequently to ensure paternity . Socially dominant individuals enjoy priority access to resources and play different roles in parental care and territory defence compared to their subordinate counterparts. Australasian swamphens are often seen on roadsides near wetlands or drainage ditches. Studies show that reasons for this behaviour include food sources such as invertebrates struck by vehicles and grass shoots from
8235-467: The kiore (native rat) and the karaka tree, to the land on the Aotea . Although it is thought that P. porphyrio subspecies rarely use flight, this lineage has effectively dispersed , colonised, and established populations numerous times across extensive bodies of water. In support of the belief that the pūkeko is a good flyer, and may have self-introduced, a dead pūkeko was found on L'Esperance Rock ,
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#17327943463588370-428: The red-tailed tropicbird , some Hawaiian honeycreepers like the ʻiʻiwi and maroon shining parrot ) were highly prized, the swamphen was unique in deriving its prestige not from plumage but from its reddish face, beak, and legs. In old Samoa only chiefs could keep such birds as pets, and early European sailors noticed tethered and/or caged swamphens treated by Samoan chiefs as tamed pets. Some Samoans also considered
8505-481: The reserve powers (e.g. the power to dissolve Parliament or refuse the royal assent of a bill into law). The powers of the monarch and the governor-general are limited by constitutional constraints, and they cannot normally be exercised without the advice of ministers. The New Zealand Parliament holds legislative power and consists of the king and the House of Representatives . It also included an upper house,
8640-554: The seven-continent model. New Zealand's climate is predominantly temperate maritime ( Köppen : Cfb), with mean annual temperatures ranging from 10 °C (50 °F) in the south to 16 °C (61 °F) in the north. Historical maxima and minima are 42.4 °C (108.32 °F) in Rangiora , Canterbury and −25.6 °C (−14.08 °F) in Ranfurly , Otago . Conditions vary sharply across regions from extremely wet on
8775-565: The "Kiwi dollar"; it also circulates in the Cook Islands (see Cook Islands dollar ), Niue, Tokelau, and the Pitcairn Islands . Historically, extractive industries have contributed strongly to New Zealand's economy, focusing at different times on sealing, whaling, flax , gold, kauri gum , and native timber. The first shipment of refrigerated meat on the Dunedin in 1882 led to the establishment of meat and dairy exports to Britain,
8910-983: The 2024 Global Peace Index , New Zealand is the 4th most peaceful country in the world. New Zealand's military services—the New Zealand Defence Force —comprise the New Zealand Army , the Royal New Zealand Air Force , and the Royal New Zealand Navy . New Zealand's national defence needs are modest since a direct attack is unlikely. However, its military has had a global presence . The country fought in both world wars, with notable campaigns in Gallipoli , Crete , El Alamein , and Cassino . The Gallipoli campaign played an important part in fostering New Zealand's national identity and strengthened
9045-436: The Australasian swamphen species, five recognised subspecies exist, with P. p. melanotus being the most common and widely distributed in New Zealand. They display phenotypic characteristics typical of rails: relatively short wings and strong, elongated bills, adapted to its semi-aquatic lifestyle in wetlands. The pūkeko is renowned for its distinctive blue-purple plumage , striking red frontal shield, and strong red legs. It
9180-597: The Chatham Islands Council is not a unitary authority, it undertakes many functions of a regional council. The Realm of New Zealand, one of 15 Commonwealth realms , is the entire area over which the king or queen of New Zealand is sovereign and comprises New Zealand, Tokelau , the Ross Dependency , the Cook Islands , and Niue . The Cook Islands and Niue are self-governing states in free association with New Zealand. The New Zealand Parliament cannot pass legislation for these countries, but with their consent can act on behalf of them in foreign affairs and defence. Tokelau
9315-424: The Government as a major societal issue; the country has 12.0% of children living in low-income households that had less than 50% of the median equivalised disposable household income as of June 2022 . Poverty has a disproportionately high effect in ethnic-minority households, with a quarter (23.3%) of Māori children and almost a third (28.6%) of Pacific Islander children living in poverty as of 2020 . New Zealand
9450-410: The MMP system, each person has two votes; one is for a candidate standing in the voter's electorate , and the other is for a party. Based on the 2018 census data, there are 72 electorates (which include seven Māori electorates in which only Māori can optionally vote), and the remaining 48 of the 120 seats are assigned so that representation in Parliament reflects the party vote, with the threshold that
9585-415: The Moluccas, Aru and Kai Islands, and in Papua New Guinea. It is also found on New Zealand's main islands and in the Chatham and Kermadec Islands . Studies suggest that the Porphyrio clade originated in Africa during the Middle Miocene , about 10 million years ago (mya), with a single colonisation of the Americas and several dispersals into Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific. The oldest split among
9720-553: The Māori of later years. According to an early European synthesized interpretation of various Māori traditional accounts, around 750 CE the heroic explorer, Kupe , had discovered New Zealand and later, around 1350, one great fleet of settlers set out from Hawaiki in eastern Polynesia. However, from the late 20th century, this story has been increasingly relegated to the realm of legend and myth. An alternative view has emerged from fresh archaeological and scientific evidence, which correlates with doubts raised by historians everywhere as to
9855-547: The North Island, and the Kermadec and Tonga Trenches further north. New Zealand, together with Australia, is part of a wider region known as Australasia . It also forms the southwestern extremity of the geographic and ethnographic region called Polynesia . Oceania is a wider region encompassing the Australian continent , New Zealand, and various island countries in the Pacific Ocean that are not included in
9990-614: The North Island, saw thousands of imperial troops and the Royal Navy come to New Zealand and became known as the New Zealand Wars . Following these armed conflicts, large areas of Māori land were confiscated by the government to meet settler demands. The colony gained a representative government in 1852 , and the first Parliament met in 1854. In 1856 the colony effectively became self-governing, gaining responsibility over all domestic matters (except native policy, which
10125-630: The Ross Dependency are New Zealand citizens. During the period of the New Zealand colony, Britain was responsible for external trade and foreign relations. The 1923 and 1926 Imperial Conferences decided that New Zealand should be allowed to negotiate its own political treaties , and the first commercial treaty was ratified in 1928 with Japan. On 3 September 1939, New Zealand allied itself with Britain and declared war on Germany with Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage proclaiming, "Where she goes, we go; where she stands, we stand". In 1951,
10260-417: The South Island of New Zealand. Due to their foraging habits, pūkeko are occasionally culled under permit, even though there is limited understanding of how this practice impacts pūkeko populations and the broader ecosystem. Pūkeko are not generally hunted for food and most are not collected after the hunting session. They were sometimes eaten by Māori but were considered poor food, being sinewy and tough. In
10395-476: The Tarawera eruption except for three of a decade or so earlier. Radiocarbon dating and pollen evidence of widespread forest fires shortly before the eruption might also indicate a pre-eruption human presence. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA variability within the Māori populations suggest that Eastern Polynesians first settled the New Zealand archipelago between 1250 and 1300, Therefore, current opinion
10530-470: The Treaty of Waitangi. In 1975, a Waitangi Tribunal was set up to investigate alleged breaches of the Treaty, and it was enabled to investigate historic grievances in 1985. The government has negotiated settlements of these grievances with many iwi, although Māori claims to the foreshore and seabed proved controversial in the 2000s. New Zealand is located near the centre of the water hemisphere and
10665-659: The United Kingdom became increasingly focused on its European interests, while New Zealand joined Australia and the United States in the ANZUS security treaty. The influence of the United States on New Zealand weakened following protests over the Vietnam War , the refusal of the United States to admonish France after the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior , disagreements over environmental and agricultural trade issues, and New Zealand's nuclear-free policy . Despite
10800-467: The United States's suspension of ANZUS obligations, the treaty remained in effect between New Zealand and Australia, whose foreign policy has followed a similar historical trend. Close political contact is maintained between the two countries, with free trade agreements and travel arrangements that allow citizens to visit, live and work in both countries without restrictions. In 2013 there were about 650,000 New Zealand citizens living in Australia, which
10935-438: The arrival of humans, an estimated 80% of the land was covered in forest, with only high alpine , wet, infertile and volcanic areas without trees. Massive deforestation occurred after humans arrived, with around half the forest cover lost to fire after Polynesian settlement. Much of the remaining forest fell after European settlement, being logged or cleared to make room for pastoral farming, leaving forest occupying only 23% of
11070-455: The bird's behaviour to its parentage, claiming it is the offspring of the unattractive Punga, a figure associated with jealousy and mischief. When the pūkeko was born, Tāwhaki (Punga's brother) claimed it as an adopted son, marking its forehead with his blood as a sign of their relationship. In Samoa , it is called manuali'i (literally, "chiefly bird"). Red was the prized colour of Polynesian aristocracy and while birds with red plumage (such as
11205-507: The chicks is unevenly distributed among group members, with everyone, including juveniles from previous broods , playing a part. One study found that in the absence of non-breeding subordinate yearlings, the dominant male tends to provide most of the care, followed by the subordinate female. However, when non-breeding yearlings are present, they take on a more significant role in chick care, with yearling males generally providing more assistance than females. Another study claims that all males in
11340-474: The consequences of these decisions. The 42nd and current prime minister, since 27 November 2023, is Christopher Luxon . A parliamentary general election must be called no later than three years after the previous election. Almost all general elections between 1853 and 1993 were held under the first-past-the-post voting system. Since the 1996 election , a form of proportional representation called mixed-member proportional (MMP) has been used. Under
11475-461: The country has extensive marine resources. Its exclusive economic zone is one of the largest in the world, covering more than 15 times its land area. The South Island is the largest landmass of New Zealand. It is divided along its length by the Southern Alps . There are 18 peaks over 3,000 metres (9,800 ft), the highest of which is Aoraki / Mount Cook at 3,724 metres (12,218 ft). Fiordland 's steep mountains and deep fiords record
11610-502: The criminal justice system. According to the Ministry of Justice , Māori are overrepresented, comprising 45% of New Zealanders convicted of crimes and 53% of those imprisoned, while only being 16.5% of the population. The early European settlers divided New Zealand into provinces , which had a degree of autonomy. Because of financial pressures and the desire to consolidate railways, education, land sales, and other policies, government
11745-772: The currently recognised P. porphyrio lineage likely occurred in the Late Miocene (~6 mya), giving rise to P. porphyrio on the Mediterranean coast of Europe. Porphyrio melanotus is believed to have arrived in Australasia within the past 600,000 years; however, bone deposits suggest a more recent presence on certain remote islands. In New Zealand, for instance, fossil evidence indicates colonisation occurred approximately 500 years ago, following Polynesian settlement. The Pūkeko ( Porphyrio melanotus melanotus ), now widespread across mainland and offshore New Zealand,
11880-404: The dominant female often assumes the most significant role. Males typically sit on the nest at dusk and are relieved by a female just before dawn. Observations have shown that although all birds in a territory are frequently observed feeding together when the clutch is incomplete, spells of unattended eggs during the later stages of incubation are usually brief, lasting from 2 to 15 minutes. Once
12015-690: The early 19th century, Christian missionaries began to settle New Zealand, eventually converting most of the Māori population. The Māori population declined to around 40% of its pre-contact level during the 19th century; introduced diseases were the major factor. The British Government appointed James Busby as British Resident to New Zealand in 1832. His duties, given to him by Governor Bourke in Sydney, were to protect settlers and traders "of good standing", prevent "outrages" against Māori, and apprehend escaped convicts. In 1835, following an announcement of impending French settlement by Charles de Thierry ,
12150-429: The eggs hatch, pūkeko construct brood nests for the chicks, which are nidifugous , requiring feeding, leading, brooding , and protection from predators. Hatching occurs asynchronously, typically over two to three days, though it can occasionally span up to six days. Chicks begin to self-feed around two days of age but still receive a substantial portion of their food from adults until they are about two months old. Care of
12285-405: The extensive ice age glaciation of this southwestern corner of the South Island. The North Island is less mountainous but is marked by volcanism . The highly active Taupō Volcanic Zone has formed a large volcanic plateau , punctuated by the North Island's highest mountain, Mount Ruapehu (2,797 metres (9,177 ft)). The plateau also hosts the country's largest lake, Lake Taupō , nestled in
12420-417: The feathers on the back of their neck to appear larger and more threatening to competing males. Research has also suggested that the shape of the callus serves as an identifying feature for mating pairs. Birds have been observed to show aggression towards another individual in their territory until that individual's frontal plate is fully visible. After recognition, normal pair behavior commences. It consists of
12555-513: The first European to set foot on and map New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of the United Kingdom and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi which paved the way for Britain's declaration of sovereignty later that year and the establishment of the Crown Colony of New Zealand in 1841. Subsequently, a series of conflicts between the colonial government and Māori tribes resulted in
12690-491: The formation of the Pasifika New Zealander pan-ethnic group, the fourth-largest ethnic grouping in the country. Permanent migration is regulated under the 1970 Samoan Quota Scheme and the 2002 Pacific Access Category, which allow up to 1,100 Samoan nationals and up to 750 other Pacific Islanders respectively to become permanent New Zealand residents each year. A seasonal workers scheme for temporary migration
12825-412: The frontal plate remains flattened and small. This may help to protect the tissue from cold conditions. During the breeding season in the warmer months, the frontal plate becomes enlarged as a method to attract mates, and scare away other individuals competing for a mate. The fully enlarged form of the frontal plate can be double the size when flattened. Territorial males will enlarge their corium and raise
12960-506: The group. Although these females are of reproductive age, they do not breed, nor do they face aggression from dominant breeding females or engage in sexual behaviour with males. This hierarchy within the group also influences male behaviour, with males generally not guarding their mates or interrupting copulations with rival males. Group participation in copulation and same-sex sexual behaviours are also common and are thought to help synchronise sexual cycles, enabling multiple females to lay in
13095-559: The heavens, with the legendary figure Tāwhaki encountering the bird on its descent to Earth, searching for cooler waters due to the heat of the sun. The colour red was associated with nobility and power by Māori, so the bird was held in high esteem and held as a chiefly pet because of its red beak and legs. Although the pūkeko holds cultural significance, it soon became a problem for Māori communities. The birds frequently raided kumara and taro gardens, leading to frustration among early settlers. As European settlers cleared forests and converted
13230-610: The islands Staten Land , believing they were part of the Staten Landt that Jacob Le Maire had sighted off the southern end of South America. Hendrik Brouwer proved that the South American land was a small island in 1643, and Dutch cartographers subsequently renamed Tasman's discovery Nova Zeelandia from Latin , after the Dutch province of Zeeland . This name was later anglicised to New Zealand . This
13365-447: The islands North (North Island), Middle (South Island), and South ( Stewart Island / Rakiura ). In 1830, mapmakers began to use "North" and "South" on their maps to distinguish the two largest islands, and by 1907, this was the accepted norm. The New Zealand Geographic Board discovered in 2009 that the names of the North Island and South Island had never been formalised, and names and alternative names were formalised in 2013. This set
13500-580: The islands are uninhabited except for about six people at Raoul Island station. These islands put the northern border of New Zealand at 29 degrees South latitude. After the 1982 UNCLOS , the islands contributed significantly to New Zealand's exclusive economic zone . In 1891, the Liberal Party came to power as the first organised political party. The Liberal Government , led by Richard Seddon for most of its period in office, passed many important social and economic measures. In 1893, New Zealand
13635-436: The judiciary to interpret the law based solely on the legislation enacted by Parliament without other influences on their decisions. New Zealand is identified as one of the world's most stable and well-governed states. As of 2017, the country was ranked fourth in the strength of its democratic institutions, and first in government transparency and lack of corruption . LGBT rights in the nation are also recognised as among
13770-511: The land in 1997. The forests were dominated by birds , and the lack of mammalian predators led to some like the kiwi , kākāpō , weka and takahē evolving flightlessness . The arrival of humans, associated changes to habitat, and the introduction of rats , ferrets and other mammals led to the extinction of many bird species, including large birds like the moa and Haast's eagle . Other indigenous animals are represented by reptiles ( tuatara , skinks and geckos ), frogs , such as
13905-485: The land into farmland, pūkeko flocks shifted to targeting grain and vegetable crops while also foraging for worms and grass grubs in damp pastures. To manage these disruptions, Māori employed various strategies, such as chasing the birds away, setting snares, and building light fences around their gardens. The pūkeko's cleverness is acknowledged in Māori proverbs, with a stubborn person referred to as having "pūkeko ears" (taringa pākura), and an experienced individual likened to
14040-641: The latter being common. New Zealand is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing agreement, known formally as the UKUSA Agreement . The five members of this agreement compromise the core Anglosphere : Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Since 2012, New Zealand has had a partnership arrangement with NATO under the Partnership Interoperability Initiative. According to
14175-589: The longest recession in over thirty years, and unemployment rising back to 7% in late 2009. The lowest unemployment rate recorded using the current methodology was in December 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic , at 3.2%. Unemployment rates for different age groups follow similar trends but are consistently higher among youth. During the September 2021 quarter, the general unemployment rate was around 3.2%, while
14310-497: The low light conditions. In New Zealand and Australia populations have expanded due to the creation of new artificial lakes and ponds. The subspecies endemic to Palau has been considered endangered as well, although a 2005 survey found that the subspecies, while potentially threatened, is at least now still common. New Zealand New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean . It consists of two main landmasses—the North Island ( Te Ika-a-Māui ) and
14445-456: The lowest levels of perceived corruption in the world. It retains visible levels of inequality , having structural disparities between its Māori and European populations. New Zealand underwent major economic changes during the 1980s, which transformed it from a protectionist to a liberalised free-trade economy. The service sector dominates the national economy , followed by the industrial sector, and agriculture ; international tourism
14580-455: The massacre and virtual extinction of the Moriori. In a hostile 1642 encounter between Ngāti Tūmatakōkiri and Dutch explorer Abel Tasman 's crew, four of Tasman's crew members were killed, and at least one Māori was hit by canister shot . Europeans did not revisit New Zealand until 1769, when British explorer James Cook mapped almost the entire coastline. Following Cook, New Zealand
14715-451: The middle of a clump of raupō , between August (end of winter) and March (start of autumn). Most eggs are laid between August and February with breeding reaching a peak in spring between September and December. The recent development of a useful PCR-based genetic marker to determine the sex of pūkeko has revealed that there is no evidence of sex ratio bias in hatching-order. Patterns of growth, survivorship and adult dominance in this species
14850-485: The most tolerant in Oceania . New Zealand ranks highly for civic participation in the political process, with 82% voter turnout during recent general elections, compared to an OECD average of 69%. However, this is untrue for local council elections; a historically low 36% of eligible New Zealanders voted in the 2022 local elections , compared with an already low 42% turnout in 2019 . A 2017 human rights report by
14985-407: The mown verge, as well as grit for digestion in the gizzard. Additionally, the roadside provides a relatively open environment that facilitates social interactions among these birds. The pūkeko, known for its bold and cunning nature, has a complex relationship with humans that has evolved over centuries. In Māori tradition, the pūkeko is often featured in mythology. It is said to have originated from
15120-583: The names as North Island or Te Ika-a-Māui , and South Island or Te Waipounamu . For each island, either its English or Māori name can be used, or both can be used together. Similarly the Māori and English names for the whole country are sometimes used together ( Aotearoa New Zealand ); however, this has no official recognition. The first people to reach New Zealand were Polynesians in ocean going waka (canoes). Their arrival likely occurred in several waves, approximately between 1280 and 1350 CE. Those Polynesian settlers, isolated in New Zealand, became
15255-719: The nebulous United Tribes of New Zealand sent a Declaration of Independence to King William IV of the United Kingdom asking for protection. Ongoing unrest, the proposed settlement of New Zealand by the New Zealand Company (which had already sent its first ship of surveyors to buy land from Māori) and the dubious legal standing of the Declaration of Independence prompted the Colonial Office to send Captain William Hobson to claim sovereignty for
15390-475: The number of dairy cows doubling between 1990 and 2007, to become New Zealand's largest export earner. In the year to June 2018, dairy products accounted for 17.7% ($ 14.1 billion) of total exports, and the country's largest company, Fonterra , controls almost one-third of the international dairy trade. Other exports in 2017–18 were meat (8.8%), wood and wood products (6.2%), fruit (3.6%), machinery (2.2%) and wine (2.1%). New Zealand's wine industry has followed
15525-480: The order of female breeders. Interestingly, interactions related to dominance are also affected by the size of the frontal shield ornaments on individuals, which serve as signals of social status; larger shields indicate higher social dominance. When threatened by predators such as harriers ( Circus approximans ), pūkeko display protective behaviours by forming compact groups in an alert posture, emitting harsh alarm calls while some individuals may fly up to confront
15660-442: The protected endangered Hamilton's Frog , spiders , insects ( wētā ), and snails. Some, such as the tuatara, are so unique that they have been called living fossils . Three species of bats ( one since extinct) were the only sign of native land mammals in New Zealand until the 2006 discovery of bones from a unique, mouse-sized land mammal at least 16 million years old. Marine mammals, however, are abundant, with almost half
15795-575: The reliability of interpretations drawn from the oral evidence of indigenous peoples, including from Māori. Regarding the arrival of these Polynesian settlers, there are no human remains, artefacts or structures which are confidently dated to earlier than the Kaharoa Tephra, a layer of volcanic debris deposited by the Mount Tarawera eruption around 1314 CE. Samples of rat bone, rat-gnawed shells and seed cases have given dates later than
15930-474: The same clutch and provide collective parental care . Interestingly, each female's eggs differ in colour and size, allowing for individual recognition within the shared nest. However, joint laying does come with reproductive costs. Studies have shown that when total clutch sizes are large due to multiple females contributing to the same clutch, a lower percentage of eggs hatch. The communal nature of pūkeko breeding also extends to non-breeding females within
16065-419: The same nest simultaneously. These behaviours, seen between late July and early December, foster cooperation in the group and enhance breeding success. Pūkeko build a large numbers of nests, with males being responsible for constructing 'trial' nests about a month before laying. Ultimately, one nest is chosen for laying, although occasionally two nests are used. In New Zealand they nest, typically well hidden in
16200-594: The signing of the treaty and declaration of sovereignty, the number of immigrants, particularly from the United Kingdom, began to increase. New Zealand was administered as a dependency of the Colony of New South Wales until becoming a separate Crown colony , the Colony of New Zealand , on 3 May 1841. Armed conflict began between the colonial government and Māori in 1843 with the Wairau Affray over land and disagreements over sovereignty. These conflicts, mainly in
16335-475: The swamphen to be the incarnation of a mischievous, aggressive demon called Vave. There is no tradition of swamphens being taken as sport game or poultry food, except perhaps in time of necessity. In New Zealand, they are protected as native gamebirds, meaning they may be hunted only under licence (from Fish and Game ) during the duck shooting season. Sometimes there is an extended season on the West Coast of
16470-673: The texture of calloused human skin. The corium is a thick, dense mass of connective tissue fibers that makes up the largest portion of the frontal plate. It contains layers of cells that aide in enlarging or flattening the structure. The corium may also be pigmented, but is clearly delineated from the callus by size and texture. A posterior muscle attachment and cell layers within the corium allow it to change shape between enlarged, semi-enlarged, and flattened. The cell layers become vacuolated to cause enlargement, and may return to normal to cause flattening. A strong correlation between frontal plate state and season has been observed. During winter months,
16605-477: The threat. In these scenarios, adult pūkeko screech warnings, prompting chicks to scatter and hide in vegetation . The network structure of dominance relationships within groups is influenced by sexual homophily , indicating that same-sex individuals often compete for breeding positions. Notably, females exhibit intense intrasexual competition for these positions, particularly evident in aggression networks. While dominant males do not guard their mates or interrupt
16740-467: The total workforce in 2016. In 2017, international visitor arrivals were expected to increase at a rate of 5.4% annually up to 2022. Wool was New Zealand's major agricultural export during the late 19th century. Even as late as the 1960s it made up over a third of all export revenues, but since then its price has steadily dropped relative to other commodities, and wool is no longer profitable for many farmers. In contrast, dairy farming increased, with
16875-486: The two regions. This free trade agreement expanded on the pre-existing free trade agreement and saw a reduction in tariffs on meat and dairy in response to feedback from the affected industries. The service sector is the largest sector in the economy, followed by manufacturing and construction and then farming and raw material extraction. Tourism plays a significant role in the economy, contributing $ 12.9 billion (or 5.6%) to New Zealand's total GDP and supporting 7.5% of
17010-481: The unemployment rate for youth aged 15 to 24 was 9.2%. New Zealand has experienced a series of " brain drains " since the 1970s that still continue today. Nearly one-quarter of highly skilled workers live overseas, mostly in Australia and Britain, which is the largest proportion from any developed nation. In recent decades, however, a " brain gain " has brought in educated professionals from Europe and less developed countries. Today New Zealand's economy benefits from
17145-1153: The widespread species group to which the Australasian swamphen was once thought to belong, is not monophyletic . This means that the group does not consist of all descendants from a common ancestor, suggesting that several subspecies and subspecies groups, including P. melanotus , may actually represent distinct species-level lineages. The Australasian swamphen has five subspecies distributed as follows: P. m. melanopterus – north, southeast Sulawesi, Moluccas, Lesser Sundas and New Guinea region. P. m. pelewensis – Palau (west Caroline Islands, west Micronesia). P. m. melanotus – north, east Australia, Tasmania, Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands (far east of Australia) and North, South, Stewart, Kermadec (northeast of North Island) and Chatham Island (east of South Island; New Zealand). P. m. bellus – far southwest Western Australia (southwest Australia). P. m. samoensis – Admiralty Islands to New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Samoa. Australasian swamphen are long-legged birds, standing about 51 cm tall, with dark plumage, black upper-parts, and
17280-847: The world's cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises ) and large numbers of fur seals reported in New Zealand waters. Many seabirds breed in New Zealand, a third of them unique to the country. More penguin species are found in New Zealand than in any other country, with 13 of the world's 18 penguin species. Since human arrival, almost half of the country's vertebrate species have become extinct, including at least fifty-one birds, three frogs, three lizards, one freshwater fish, and one bat. Others are endangered or have had their range severely reduced. However, New Zealand conservationists have pioneered several methods to help threatened wildlife recover, including island sanctuaries, pest control, wildlife translocation, fostering, and ecological restoration of islands and other protected areas . New Zealand
17415-415: The young of other bird species. One of the most intriguing aspects of the pūkeko's biology is its social structure and breeding behaviour. Classified as a communal gallinule , pūkeko often breed in social groups rather than pairs. These groups typically consist of three to nine individuals, including both males and females, which all contribute to territory defence, nesting, and chick rearing. Pūkeko exhibit
17550-569: Was centralised and the provinces were abolished in 1876. The provinces are remembered in regional public holidays and sporting rivalries. Since 1876, various councils have administered local areas under legislation determined by the central government. In 1989, the government reorganised local government into the current two-tier structure of regional councils and territorial authorities . The 249 municipalities that existed in 1975 have now been consolidated into 67 territorial authorities and 11 regional councils. The regional councils' role
17685-472: Was granted in the mid-1860s). Following concerns that the South Island might form a separate colony, premier Alfred Domett moved a resolution to transfer the capital from Auckland to a locality near Cook Strait . Wellington was chosen for its central location, with Parliament officially sitting there for the first time in 1865. In 1886, New Zealand annexed the volcanic Kermadec Islands , about 1,000 km (620 mi) northeast of Auckland. Since 1937,
17820-615: Was introduced in 2007, and in 2009 about 8,000 Pacific Islanders were employed under it. New Zealand is involved in the Pacific Islands Forum , the Pacific Community , Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation , and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum (including the East Asia Summit ). New Zealand has been described as a middle power in the Asia-Pacific region, and an emerging power . The country
17955-584: Was the first nation in the world to grant all women the right to vote and pioneered the adoption of compulsory arbitration between employers and unions in 1894. The Liberals also guaranteed a minimum wage in 1894, a world first. In 1907, at the request of the New Zealand Parliament, King Edward VII proclaimed New Zealand a Dominion within the British Empire , reflecting its self-governing status. In 1947, New Zealand adopted
18090-528: Was visited by numerous European and North American whaling , sealing , and trading ships. They traded European food, metal tools, weapons, and other goods for timber, Māori food, artefacts, and water. The introduction of the potato and the musket transformed Māori agriculture and warfare. Potatoes provided a reliable food surplus, which enabled longer and more sustained military campaigns. The resulting intertribal Musket Wars encompassed over 600 battles between 1801 and 1840, killing 30,000–40,000 Māori. From
18225-706: Was written as Nu Tireni in the Māori language (spelled Nu Tirani in Te Tiriti o Waitangi). In 1834 a document written in Māori and entitled " He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni " was translated into English and became the Declaration of the Independence of New Zealand . It was prepared by Te W(h)akaminenga o Nga Rangatiratanga o Nga Hapu o Nu Tireni , the United Tribes of New Zealand , and
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