According to Maori oral history, Maoris arrived on the islands about 1,000 years ago. The pact formed the basis of the British annexation of New Zealand, but contraventions by the British led to the Maori Wars. The government has paid compensation but the land issue remains controversial. New Zealand's economy is based on livestock, especially sheep farming. Since the UK's closer involvement in Europe, New Zealand has developed new markets closer to home.
Tourism is on the increase.
Massive economic restructuring since 1984, although unpopular, has boosted economic growth. The country sent troops to East Timor, after the outbreak of severe violence following the October 1999 referendum on the future of the disputed territory. Born into a wealthy farming family in 1950, the teenage Clark protested against the Vietnam War and campaigned against foreign military bases in New Zealand. In 1989, she became New Zealand's first woman deputy prime minister. Political commentators say that Clark worked hard on her image and presentation ahead of the 1999 general election that brought her to power.