Australia and New Zealand

In the south-east, far far away, there are two countries. Their names are Australia and New Zealand. Two beautiful countries, both with a remarkable history and unique cultures. Despite them being so close to each other, their nature is actually quite different. While Australia is almost completely comprised of a dry, barren wasteland, the conditions in New Zealand are a lot more vegetated and full of forests, lakes and green grass. That might be the most important reason why large parts of the wonderful Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in the lovely countrysides of New Zealand.

Map of Australia and New Zealand

The countries' histories and backstories are also very interesting. What both of the countries have in common, is that they both had an indigenous population prior to the arrival of the British. There were Maoris on New Zealand while there were Aboriginals in Australia. The main difference between these two indigenous populations, is the way they were treated. When Australia and New Zealand were first discovered by the British, in the 17th century by James Cook, Australia was used in the beginning as a place that the British used for loading off convicts from Europe as an alternative punishment. New Zealand, however, was different.

Aboriginies of Australia

New Zealand was not heavily populated by the British until convicts managed to escape from Australia, over to the other side. There, they settled and lived primarily off of fishing and whaling. They also got along well with the Maori population, and lived in mutual friendship. In Australia, however, the indigenous population was not treated as well. Like we've seen several times through the course o f history, indigenous populations are not always treated with care and respect. The Aboriginies' population was reduced with an estimated 90% during the first 120 years of the British arrival. This was not only because of the British violence, but also because of disease and loss of land that was caused by the British.

As of right now, New Zealand and Australia have a friendly and balanced relationship. They speak the same main language, they have similar flags, and they have strong economic deals with each other. About 70 years ago, it is estimated that one out of 50 Maoris lived in Australia. Now, the number has increased to one out of six. The two countries have also fought alongside each other in wars, such as World War 2. Australia and New Zealand also share the same queen; Queen Elizabeth II. But why is it really like this?

Flags of Australia(top)
and  New Zealand(bottom)

The reason why the Queen of England is also the queen of Australia, is because of the previous colonization and British control over the two countries. When Australia was a "prison colony", the country was ruled by England. While both Australia and New Zealand have their own prime minister and a "governor-general", who serves as the head of state, the monarch is still the British queen. To be honest, I believe that this should be changed.

I fail to see why two independent countries should share the same queen as England does. While I do understand that it is hard to renounce old traditions and customs, I still think that an independent country has the right to choose their own monarch. I do not know how Australians and New Zealanders think about having the British queen as their monarch. However, if I were to put myself in the shoes of an Australian, I doubt I would think that highly of it. While the Norwegian king does not have any real power of significance, he still acts as a representative of Norway. Who is better to act as a representative to Australia, than an Australian?

Of course, this is simply my opinion. Like previously stated, I am not an Australian, nor a New Zealander. I do not know what inhabitants of the two countries think about their current royal situation. I cannot conclude with a fact, I can merely conclude with my own opinion. And my opinion is that if a country has decided to have some sort of monarchy, then they should be able to choose their own king or queen.

Sources:

http://www.convictcreations.com/culture/newzealand.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Indigenous_Australians
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_zealand
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia%E2%80%93New_Zealand_relations
http://www.nzembassy.com/australia/relationship-between-new-zealand-and-australia/new-zealand-and-australia
http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/australia-and-new-zealand

Pictures:

http://is-a-cunt.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Aboriginals.jpg
http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/photolib/maps/Map%20of%20Australia%20and%20New%20Zealand%201941.jpg
http://www.smartbizaus.com.au/images/flags.gif