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Flag Description: The New Zealand flag is blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist- side quadrant with four red
five- pointed stars edged in white centered in teh outer half of the flag; the stars represent the southern cross constellation.
National Anthem
God of Nations at Thy feet,
In the bonds of love we meet,
Hear our voices, we entreat,
God defend our free land.
Guard
Pacific's triple star
From the shafts of strife and war,
Make her praises heard afar,
God defend New Zealand.
Men of every creed and race,
Gather here before Thy face,
Asking Thee to bless this place,
God defend our free
land.
From dissension, envy, hate,
And corruption guard our state,
Make our country good and great,
God defend
New Zealand.
Peace, not war, shall be our boast,
But, should foes assail our coast,
Make us then a mighty host,
God defend
our free land.
Lord of battles in Thy might,
Put our enemies to flight,
Let our cause be just and right,
God defend
New Zealand.
Let our love for Thee increase,
May Thy blessings never cease,
Give us plenty, give us peace,
God defend our free
land.
From dishonour and from shame,
Guard our country's spotless name,
Crown her with immortal fame,
God defend
New Zealand.
May our mountains ever be
Freedom's ramparts on the sea,
Make us faithful unto Thee,
God defend our free land.
Guide
her in the nation's van,
Preaching love and truth to man,
Working out Thy glorious plan,
God defend New Zealand.
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Historical Overview:
The Polynesian Maori reached New Zealand in about A.D 800. In 1840, their chieftains entered a compact with Britain,
the Treaty of Waitangi, in which they ceded sovereignty to Queen Victoria while retaining the territorial rights. In
the same year the British began the first organized colonial sttlement. After a bunch of land wars between 1843 and 1872 it
ended with defeat of the native peoples. The British colony of New Zealand became independent dominion in 1907.
In recent years, the government has sought to address longstanding Maori grievances.
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Political overview:
The type of governement that New Zealand is run by is a Parliamentary Democracy. They were named independent
from the UK on the 29th of September 1907 but their constitution consists of a series of legal documents including certain
acts of the UK and the New Zealand parliament. Their legal system is based on the English law, with special land legislation
and land courts for the Maori. the Chief of state is Queen Elizabeth II who is represtented by Governor General Dame
Siliva Cartwright. The head of governement is Prime Minister Helen Clark and the deputy is Michael Cullen. The
cabinet executive council is appointed by the governor general on teh recommendation of the prime minister. There are
no elections, the monarch is hereditary and the governor general is appointed byt he monarch following legislative elections.
Their military branches include the New Zealand Army, Royal New Zealand Navy, and Royal New Zealand Air Force.
The age for voluntary military service is 17, but soldiers cannot be deployed until the age of 18.
Here I might add an entry whenever I make an update to my web site. Where appropriate, I'll include a link to the change.
For example:
11/1/01 - Added new photos to Vacation Album page.
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