Early History of New Duveland

Early History
New Duveland was first discovered and settled by Polynesians (Maori) which arrived from New Zealand around 1400 CE, settling all throughout the mainland and surrounding islands and flourished in the environment.

European Discovery
Dutch explorer Abel Tasman first discovered the islands in 1643, naming the main island ‘New Duveland’ after his homeland in the northern area of Zeeland, Netherlands. The islands remains greatly unexplored until Captain James Cook came to the area, mapping the coastline of the main island after coming from New Zealand. The northern coast of the island was explored by Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse who claimed the northern portion of the island for France while Captain Cook claimed the southern portion for England. Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse later disappeared into the forests of the Great Tasman Range.

Settlement
Settlement commenced in early 1800 along with New Zealand. New Duveland, had a population of around 100,000 by the end of 1840 as many Europeans moved to the island for it’s large fertile areas ideal for European farming. This resulted in New Duveland surpassing New Zealand in population. New Duveland was then classified as a different colony from Australia in 1850, quickly followed by New Zealand in 1851. New Duveland, after becoming a separate colony was divided into 4 other divisions which later became provinces. Lapérouse and New Herault (French New Duveland) remained as an overseas territory of France up until 1903