<P> European exploration and settlement of Oceania began in the 16th century, starting with Portuguese settling the Moluccas and Spanish (Castilian) landings and shipwrecks in the Marianas Islands, east of the Philippines, followed by the Portuguese landing and settling temporarily (due to the monsoons) in the Tanimbar or the Aru Islands and in some of the Caroline Islands and Papua New Guinea, and several Spanish landings in the Caroline Islands and New Guinea . Subsequent rivalry between European colonial powers, trade opportunities and Christian missions drove further European exploration and eventual settlement . After the 17th century Dutch landings in New Zealand and Australia, but not settling these lands, the British became the dominant colonial power in the region, establishing settler colonies in what would become Australia and New Zealand, both of which now have majority European - descended populations . New Caledonia (Caldoche), Hawaii, French Polynesia, Norfolk Island, Easter Island and Guam also have significant European populations . Europeans remain a primary ethnic group in much of Oceania, both numerically and economically . </P> <P> European settlement in Australia began in 1788 when the British established the Crown Colony of New South Wales with the first settlement at Port Jackson . New Zealand was part of New South Wales until 1840 when it became a separate colony and experienced a marked increase in European settlement . </P>

Where did european colonization of australia and oceania begin