Final answer:
The British utilized their colonies in New Zealand and Australia as penal colonies, trading ports, and bases of operations, which aligns with the mercantilist strategy of supplying raw materials and expanding trade markets within the empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
The British used their colonies in New Zealand and Australia for various purposes such as establishing penal colonies, facilitating trading ports, and serving as bases of operation for the expansion of the British Empire. Initially, Australia was settled in the late 18th century with convicts for petty crimes or political dissent, but over time both Australia and New Zealand developed economically. They became integral parts of the empire's mercantilist strategy, providing raw materials and markets for British goods. The interactions with indigenous populations followed patterns of treaties and conflicts similar to other colonial scenarios.
In the broader context of the mercantilist system, colonies like Australia and New Zealand played key roles by supplying raw materials, supporting agricultural production, and acting as points of trade within the British Empire. This economic system was driven by the industries such as shipbuilding, and raw material extraction like timber, hemp, and tar, as well as crops in more fertile areas.