The Maori People of The Land

Maoris Greeting

Archaeological findings let assume that the island was discovered by migrating Polynesians within the eighth and twelfth century. It is thought that the Maori intentionally set out to find a new island to settle. That is probably why they brought with them various plants and vegetables that are now traditional to New Zealand. Amongst them were taro, yam, gourd, and kumara including also animals like rats and dogs.

Apart from food and animals an over centuries developed Maori culture, language, crafts, songs, games, and weapons came with the new migrants.

After these brave seafarers arrived a set of whole new challenges confronted them.

Portrait of Maori Chief

Creating clothing to protect them against the cold demanded new to acquire skills. The New Zealand flax was used for clothing and ropes.

New quarries for food supply were found. The New Zealand moa was one of their main quarries until their extinction in 1750. Moas were very large flightless birds and part of the kiwi bird family. Gradually they adapted to a new lifestyle that was exclusively their own. The Maori people adjusted well to the new conditions of the land and changed a lot over time.

The first European to arrive in New Zealand was Dutch navigator Abel Tasman. His encounter with Maori people was not so pleasant. Four members of his crew died in a savage attack in 1642.

In 1840 the Britains sought to find a way to regulate landownership and the country in form of the treaty of Waitangi. A document that was signed by most of the Maori chiefs, making them live by the British rule. These rules often contradicted everything Maori culture stands for and therefore leaves open what each party understood the treaty meant.

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