New Zealand's history began with the arrival of the Māori people, who are believed to have settled the islands around the 13th century. They developed a rich culture, including unique art, language, and social structures. The first European contact occurred in 1642 when Dutch explorer Abel Tasman arrived, but significant European settlement began in the early 19th century. In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, establishing British law in New Zealand. Over the following decades, the country experienced conflicts, land disputes, and significant immigration, leading to its development as a modern nation by the late 19th century.