Takaraha

Takaraha is a secondary nation of Mapmaker024

Takaraha is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses—the Te Waipounamu (South Island) and Stewart Island. Takaraha is situated around 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) south of the Pacific island areas of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans. During its long period of isolation, Takaraha developed a distinct biodiversity of animal, fungal and plant life. The country's varied topography and its sharp mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, owe much to the tectonic uplift of land and volcanic eruptions. Takaraha's capital city is Invercargill, while its most populous city is Dunedin

History
Sometime between 1250 and 1300 CE, Polynesians settled in the islands that later were named New Zealand and developed a distinctive Māori culture. In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand. In 1840, representatives of Britain and Māori chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi, which declared British sovereignty over the islands. In 1841, New Zealand became a colony within the British Empire and in 1907 it became a Dominion. However, in 1909, a group of Māori and a small amount of British-descended whites rebelled against the British government. Due to the far distance away from Great Britain, they reluctantly decided to grant them independence, due to their isolation from the majority of the Commonwealth. Today, Takaraha and New Zealand have discussed peace agreements, and now co-habilitate with one another, being good trading partners. The indigenous Māori make up the majority of the population, at around an estimated 66.4%, followed by Pacific Islanders. Reflecting this, Takaraha's culture is mainly derived from Māori and early British settlers, with recent broadening arising from increased immigration. The official languages are Māori and English.

Takaraha, like its neighboring country, New Zealand, is a well-developed country and ranks high in international comparisons of national performance, such as health, education, economic freedom and quality of life. Legislative authority is vested in an elected, unicameral Parliament, while executive political power is exercised by the cabinet, led by the President, who is currently Davin Wihone, the first half-indigenous half caucasian President. Hirini Paraone the 2nd is the country's head of state and monarchical ruler. In addition, Takaraha is organized into 58 territorial authorities for local government purposes. Takaraha has made claims on Antarctica for long periods of time, naming their supposed land Hoiho. Takaraha is a member of the United Nations, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Pacific Islands Forum, and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Political Parties
There are currently three main political parties in Takaraha: There are also multiple independents that hold offices at both the state and national level. (Note: there is a Speaker of the House, which must always be neutral and cannot vote)
 * Ā iwi Takaraha (National Takaraha Party)
 * Herea Kaimahi (Workers' Union Party)
 * Tuhinga o mua (Freedom Party)

Allies
(If you would like to become an ally, just ask in the comments of this page)

Paraone Dynasty
The Paraone Family is the royal bloodline of the nation of Takaraha, determined by them being the closest related to the first indigenous people who settled. Hirini Paraone II, named after his Grandfather, is the current reigning monarch. He has the current responsibility of Head of State, though most power goes towards the President and the Parliament. His daughter, Sierra Paraone Hamuera, is heir to the throne. Being married to a man, her surname has changed, as it is tradition to do so in Takaraha. This has brought up if the Paraone Dynasty will end once she becomes Queen, as a woman has yet to become a ruler over Takaraha.

List of Potential Future Rulers:
Hirini II's Family Extended Family
 * Sierra Hamuera, daughter
 * Haki Hamuera, grandson
 * Ngaire Wihone, daughter; wife of current President David Wihone
 * Rongo Paraone, son
 * Eteka Paraone, son
 * Ihanga Paraone, daughter
 * President David Wihone, husband of Ngaire
 * Timoti Paraone, brother of Waraki
 * Sariah Hakopa, cousin of Hirini II
 * Tipene Karauna, sister of Waraki