History of Auckland
Maoris are said to have arrived on the islands of New Zealand in canoes from other parts of Polynesia. Archaeological evidence suggests they settled in the Auckland region approximately 650 years ago, with the earliest sites mainly located along coastlines and harbour mouths. Auckland would seem to have been a highly sought after area due to its rich and fertile land. The name given by the early Maori for the area, 'Tamaki', meaning 'battle', would seem to confirm this.
European settlers
The first European to arrive in Auckland was Captain James Cook in 1769, during his famous voyage to the South Pacific. However, it wasn't until 1833 that the first European settlement was built here. The majority of Maoris were fisherman and led peaceful lives until the Europeans arrived and brought with them tribal warfare and destruction which depleted the Maori populations.
In 1840, the city of Auckland was established as the capital of the colony of New Zealand, and it retained this distinction until 1865, when Wellington took over as the new capital. Local chiefs gathered at Karaka Bay, Awhitu and Mangere to sign The Treaty of Waitangi, which is seen as New Zealand's founding document. The treaty promised protection of Maori land if they recognised British sovereignty.
Shortly after, several ships arrived with colonists from England and Scotland, settlers for the new city. Auckland went on to become New Zealand's main industrial centre and port. Immigration from Britain increased significantly, and boat-building, brick-making, flour-milling and brewing were quickly added to the local trades. The introduction of refrigeration in the 1880s had huge benefits for the country, as it was possible to transport fresh food to Britain, much of it passing through the port of Auckland.
Despite the treaty, the European settlers encroached on Maori land, leading to a series of skirmishes and conflicts. Barracks were built in Auckland and British troops called in. The conflicts led to heavy losses for both the local Maoris and the settlers.
Recent history
New Zealand became a world leader in social welfare early in the 20th century, after social and economic reforms were made. The country suffered badly in WWI, with one in every three men aged between 20 and 40 killed or wounded fighting for Britain. It then suffered further during the Great Depression and WWII. The Pacific War also brought many American servicemen to Auckland, and their influence still remains in some areas.
In the 1980s, New Zealand caused some friction with America after it declared itself a nuclear-free state and refused entry to warships. The 1970s and 1980s saw problems between indigenous and non-indigenous populations, which led to the Treaty of Waitangi being revised in 1985. Maori culture is now a significant part of the city's self-image, although race relations remain a contentious issue.