Who explored and claimed the New Zealand islands for Britain in 1769?

James Cook

What famous landmark hosts the lighting of its iconic Christmas tree closely after Thanksgiving? Which U.S. state is nicknamed 'The Volunteer State'? Who unified Germany under Prussian leadership in the late 19th century? What was the last imperial dynasty to rule Persia, falling in 1979? What is traditionally placed in the center of a British Simnel cake during Easter?