Maori History
How the land was settled
Maori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New Zealand and their culture is an integral part of New Zealand life. The resultant New Zealand identity is unique, fresh, invigorating and adventurous. About 15 percent of the country’s population of 4 million are of Maori descent. Maori are a tribal people and their tribes are known as iwi. Today most live in urban areas, away from their marae (tribal ground). However, many Maori gather at their marae for important occasions. Maori, who are Polynesians, were the first inhabitants of New Zealand, and are thought to have arrived in New Zealand more than 1000 years ago in double-hulled waka (canoe), from islands in Eastern Polynesia (Hawaiki). Maori settled on both main islands of New Zealand and named the country Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud). Dutch Navigator Abel Tasman, the first European discoverer, arrived in 1642 and named the islands New Zealand. He didn’t stay, and it wasn’t until Captain James Cook arrived over a century later that the area was colonised. Late in the 18th century, Aotearoa New Zealand was settled by European missionaries and whalers. In 1840, Maori signed the Treaty of Waitangi with the British Crown, which gave the British Government sovereignty over Aotearoa New Zealand. The Treaty of Waitangi is now regarded as Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding document. The site of the Treaty signing, Waitangi in the Bay of Islands, is a national reserve of historic significance.
Environment important
Maori culture places high value on the natural environment (forests, sea, rivers, lakes and mountains). Maori culture is a living treasure, indigenous and unique to Aotearoa New Zealand. Maori have retained their identity through three centuries of European contact, and Maori customs still thrive. Like many indigenous people, Maori lost much of their land through European colonisation. The New Zealand Government has made reparation to many Maori iwi, and processes are being followed with others to have land and other resources returned.
Jade treasured
Pounamu (greenstone or jade) is extremely significant to Maori and one of the country’s great taonga (treasures). It is an extremely tough stone, but one that Maori have carved over the years with skill and love, creating some of New Zealand’s finest artworks.
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