  this is a timeline of environmental history of new zealand. it includes notable events affecting the natural environment of new zealand as a result of human activity.  ==pre 1700s== 14th century- *arrival of mÄori who brought with them the kiore rat. 16th century *final extinction of all eleven species of moa. 1642 *tasman is first european to reach new zealand. ==1760s== 1769 *new zealand mapped by james cook, and the norway rat believed to have arrived in new zealand aboard his ship, the endeavour.introduced animals, christchurch library. wild boar are believed to have arrived with cook, possibly on his second voyage for trade with the mÄori â called 'captain cookers' in nz ==1790s== *european sealers and whalers arrive. ==1800s== *gorse introduced as hedging plant. *rabbits introduced rabbits christchurch library. *sheep and cattle introduced. ==1830s== 1837 *australian brush-tailed possum introduced. ==1840s== 1840 *treaty of waitangi ==1860s== *ship rat spreads throughout north island. 1860 *australian magpie introduced. 1861 *the protection of certain animals act passed - legislated that: "no deer of any kind, hare, swan, partridge, english plover, rook, starling, thrush or blackbird" could be shot for the rest of the decade.mfe state of environment report, 1997 1864 *wild birds protection act - legislated that: "no wild duck, paradise duck, or pigeon indigenous in the colony shall be hunted, taken, or killed except during the months of april, may, june, and july in any year". 1867 *trout and salmon protection act passed - made provision for "the preservation and propagation of salmon and trout in this colony". ==1870s== *ship rat spreads throughout the south island. *rook introduced from europe 1870 *hedgehogs, which devour large quantities of insects, are introduced. 1875 *seal hunting restricted to a short annual season. 1876 *rabbit nuisance act passed. 1879 *ferrets introduced to control rabbits even after warnings were made of their effects on bird life. ==1880s== 1882 * small birds nuisance act passed. 1885 *stoats and weasels are liberated as a misguided attempt to control rabbits. 1887 *23 september â te heuheu tÅ«kino iv gifts [[mount ruap
Environment_of_New_Zealand Environmental_timelines New_Zealand-related_lists New_Zealand_timelines