New Zealand is one of the nations with the most recent settlements, in 800 AD, by the Polynesian Maoris. The Maori Chieftains entered into an agreement with the British, with the Treaty of Waitangi. Through this treaty, New Zealand ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria, but retained its territorial integrity. Post the land wars of 1843 and 1872 and the subsequent defeat of the natives, the British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907.
The culture of New Zealand is very diverse showing traces of Maori and European cultures. There has been a resurgence of Maori culture in the form of tradition-based art of kapa haka (song and dance) and carving and weaving gaining popularity. Strong Asian influences are evident with Diwali (Indian festival of lights) and the Chinese New Year being celebrated in Auckland.
New Zealand lies in the South Pacific Ocean, south-east of Australia and has a mountainous terrain, with some large coastal plains. At 0 m, the lowest point of New Zealand is the Pacific Ocean. With an elevation of 3,754 m, Aoraki-Mount Cook is the highest point of the country.
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