Ask AI: How different would New Zealand be if it had been colonised by the French and not the British?

If New Zealand had been colonised by the French and not the British, the cultural, legal, linguistic, and social landscape would be quite different. While it is impossible to be certain about how history would have unfolded, some potential differences include: 1. Language: The dominant language in New Zealand would likely be French rather than English. This would have implications for education, business, and day-to-day interactions. A French-speaking New Zealand would also have stronger interactions with other French-speaking countries and regions, such as France itself, Quebec, and the French overseas territories in the Pacific. 2. Legal system: New Zealand would have a civil law system, based on the French legal tradition, rather than the British common law system. This would result in differences in terms of jurisprudence and processes, such as regulations and court proceedings. 3. Indigenous culture: The relationship between the colonisers and the native Māori people would also be altered. Although it is difficult to predict how the French would have engaged with the Māori, their approach to colonisation in other places suggests that there might have been more intermarriage and blending of cultures as opposed to British-style segregation. 4. Political system: Under French influence, a parliamentary system like the one in France might have developed instead of the Westminster system modelled after the UK. This would lead to differences in the structure and functioning of the government, including elections and political parties. 5. Architecture and urban planning: French architectural styles and principles of urban planning would have influenced the cities and towns in New Zealand. This could result in a more European-styled urban landscape with a greater emphasis on public spaces and monuments, similar to those found in France. 6. Cultural identity: The overall cultural identity of New Zealand would be more closely aligned to the Francophone world, leading to different influences in art, literature, music, and other cultural expressions. This would create a unique blend of French and Māori culture. 7. International relationships: The geopolitics of New Zealand would likely be altered, including its relationships with the UK and other Commonwealth countries. New Zealand might have remained more closely aligned with France, developing different trading and diplomatic relationships as a result. It is important to note that these are speculative differences, and history is not deterministic. However, these points illustrate the potential impact that French colonisation could have had on the development of New Zealand.