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Current Auckland Time:
Saturday, 05 July 2008 01:04 pm

About Auckland

In the Maori language, Auckland is known as Tamaki Makau Rau, the city of 100 lovers. It earned this name because it was a place desired by all and conquered by many.

The Auckland region has a rich variety of environments laid out on a stunning coastline to make one amazing city, boasting three harbours, two mountain ranges, 48 volcanic cones and more than 50 islands.

Auckland's population is approximately 1.3 million, making it by far the largest city in New Zealand, with one third of the country's entire population.

About New Zealand

Composed of two main islands, New Zealand is also dominated by two cultural groups: New Zealanders of Caucasian descent, and the Maori. According to Maori oral history, Maoris arrived on the islands about 1,000 years ago. European settlement in New Zealand during the 19th century led to the Treaty of Waitangi (1840) between representatives of the British Crown and Maori chiefs. The pact formed the basis of the British annexation of New Zealand, but conflicting land claims gave rise to the "New Zealand 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. In 1984 the government embarked on a major and controversial economic reform programme, whose effects are still being debated. A significant proportion of New Zealand's electricity is generated by hydropower sources and the country has a range of renewable energy sources at its disposal.

New Zealand plays an active role in Pacific affairs. It sent troops to East Timor when violence broke out in the territory in 1999, and its peacekeepers remained in the newly-independent state until late 2002.

Auckland - a modern city with a rich heritage