a country in the southern Pacific Ocean consisting of two large islands and several small islands. The capital city is Wellington. Most of the population is of British origin, people whose ancestors went there to be farmers. There are also many Maoris, who are descended from the original inhabitants of New Zealand and are now demanding some of the rights and areas of land that they believe were unfairly taken from their ancestors in the 19th century. New Zealand became a British colony in 1841, and an independent country in 1907. It is a member of the Commonwealth . Tourism and agriculture are its main industries. New Zealand lamb, butter and wine are sold in Britain and many other countries.
► New Zealander n .