The British colony of New Zealand became an independent dominion in 1907 and supported the UK militarily in both World Wars. New Zealand withdrew from a number of defense alliances during the 1970s and 1980s. In recent years the government has sought to address longstanding native Maori grievances. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary pressures.
Inflation remains among the lowest in the industrial world.
Per capita GDP has been moving up toward the levels of the big West European economies. Moderate growth probably will characterize 2000. Publicly traded companies are required to distribute their audited financial statements to its shareholders within three months of the fiscal year s end. They are also required to make a preliminary announcement of financial outcomes to shareholders within four months of their fiscal year s end. The annual information includes income and loss account, balance sheet, cash flows statement, movements in equity and notes to the accounts statement.