With apologies to Australia and New Zealand, why were these islands so important as to be colonized during the age of Imperialism?

by thebladeofchaos

I wish to say quickly, I have nothing against them. but when I look at them compared to, say, Africa or America, I don't really see why these isles/subcontinent were so considered good to colonize and keep pushing in, especially when Australia is literally trying to kill everyone

hillsonghoods