Māori History
It all started when the Māori arrived in Aotearoa (New Zealand) between 1250 and 1300 CE. They travelled from East Polynesia over the Pacific Ocean in great waka (canoes). The first Māori explorer to Aotearoa was Kupe. According to legend, he discovered New Zealand and landed in what we now know as Hokianga Harbour. Over generations, many more waka arrived, each carrying ancestors of today’s iwi (tribes).
Early Settlement
Māori communities were spread throughout Aotearoa, with each iwi (tribe) and hapū (sub-tribe) establishing their own territories, traditions, and leadership. They built fortified villages called pā, which were often placed on hills for defence. Hunting, fishing, and gardening (especially growing kūmara) were central to daily life. Over time, different iwi developed unique traditions and dialects that reflected the regions they lived in.
Culture and Traditions
Māori developed rich traditions of carving, weaving, and oral storytelling. Knowledge and stories were passed down through whakapapa (genealogy) and whakataukī (proverbs). Spirituality was very important, with strong connections to the land, sea, and sky. Tikanga (customs) guided how people lived and interacted, ensuring respect and balance in the community.
Warfare and Alliances
Before Europeans arrived, conflict between iwi was common. Warriors used traditional weapons such as the taiaha (a wooden staff weapon) and mere (short club). Battles were often fought over resources, land, or mana (prestige). Despite this, peace and alliances were also important, and marriages between tribes helped to build unity.
European Contact
The first Europeans to meet Māori were Dutch explorers led by Abel Tasman in 1642. Later, in 1769, British explorer Captain James Cook mapped much of the coastline. Trade quickly developed — Māori exchanged food, flax, and timber for European tools, metal, and muskets. However, these changes also brought challenges such as disease and conflict, particularly during the Musket Wars of the early 19th century.
The Treaty of Waitangi
On 6 February 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between representatives of the British Crown and many Māori chiefs. This treaty promised protection of Māori lands and rights, but disagreements about its meaning led to conflicts throughout the 19th century. Today, the Treaty remains a founding document of New Zealand and is central to discussions about justice and partnership between Māori and the government.
Modern Māori History
In the 20th and 21st centuries, Māori worked hard to revive their language and culture after years of loss during colonisation. The kōhanga reo (language nest) movement began in the 1980s, bringing Te Reo Māori back to children in schools. Today, Māori culture is celebrated through kapa haka, carvings, and the arts, and Te Reo Māori is recognised as one of New Zealand's official languages. The history of Māori continues to shape the identity of Aotearoa.