Independence of New Zealand

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Dominion Day New Zealand

Australian ogre 1900

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Dominion of New Zealand passport

The process by which New Zealand became a fully sovereign nation

Independence of New Zealand refers to the gradual process by which New Zealand transitioned from a British colony to a fully sovereign nation. This process involved a series of legal and political steps that culminated in New Zealand's full legislative independence.

Early History

New Zealand was initially part of the Colony of New South Wales from 1840 until it became a separate Crown colony in 1841. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, is often considered the founding document of New Zealand, establishing British sovereignty over the islands.

Dominion Status

In 1907, New Zealand was granted the status of a Dominion, which provided it with greater autonomy while still recognizing the British monarch as the head of state. This change was part of a broader movement within the British Empire to grant greater self-governance to its colonies.

Statute of Westminster Adoption Act 1947

The most significant step towards full independence was the adoption of the Statute of Westminster 1931 by the New Zealand Parliament in 1947. This statute allowed New Zealand to make its own laws without requiring approval from the British Parliament. The adoption of the Statute of Westminster is often seen as the point at which New Zealand became fully sovereign.

Constitution Act 1986

The Constitution Act 1986 further solidified New Zealand's independence by removing the ability of the British Parliament to legislate for New Zealand. This act is considered the final step in New Zealand's journey to full legislative independence.

Modern Status

Today, New Zealand is a fully sovereign nation with its own parliament, Governor-General, and Prime Minister. The British monarch remains the ceremonial head of state, represented in New Zealand by the Governor-General.

Related Pages

• History of New Zealand
• Treaty of Waitangi
• Statute of Westminster 1931
• Constitution Act 1986
• Governor-General of New Zealand
• Prime Minister of New Zealand
• British Empire
• Dominion

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