In Maori History it’s noticed that the first mass arrival of Polynesian settlers started around 1300. They traveled to New Zealand on their war canoes called waka. These people were the ancestors of present-day Maori.
The historical period between 1100 and 1300 is called “Nga Kakano.” Most of settlements were sited along the coast – nowadays recognized as the Otago region. There were very few weapons at that time; Most of tribes lived peacefully. “Te Tipunga” is the classic period of the history which runs from 1300 to 1500. It’s the time when they developed many aspects of culture. Intense earthquakes, defoliation of many settlements caused by natural catastrophes, a colder climate and other reasons influenced their culture.
First Europeans in New Zealand
The first European to discover New Zealand was Abel Janszoon Tasman, Dutch explorer who arrived to new land on December 13, 1642. In 1769 James Cook, British explorer, made his first visit. After them, in the 1780s many explorers, whalers and sealers travelled to New Zealand. It affectingly influenced the aborigine population. In 1806 first European women arrived. About 2000 European people worked for varied positions like slaves or even as personal advisers and much more. They worked in the villages among the indigenous people. Some of them abandoned their own culture and identified as Maori. From 1805 to 1840 tribes received many muskets led to the Musket Wars during which the wars among tribes were perpetual. Several tribes have completely disappeared. The others were destroyed as a result of European diseases.
Maori History – Colonization
By 1838 native-born people were seeking a form of protection from American and European sailors. On 6 February, 1840 representatives of the British Crown and various chiefs signed the Treaty of Waitangi which gave Britain sovereignty over New Zealand and gave the Governor the right to govern the country. Even today the monarchy of New Zealand has its roots in the British Crown. Queen Elizabeth II has been the monarch of New Zealand since 6 February 1952.
Maori History – Modern Times
A number of Maori people has expanded extensively during the last 100 years. Their traditions and culture has been brought back to life. Their role in politics has been favorable since the late 19th century. They had to go through the assimilation process. During the World War II the Government of New Zealand determined to relieve them from fighting out of the country, even though around 17,000 aborigines volunteered. The protest movement arose during the 1960s and continued over the 70s; In 1975 The Waitangi Tribunal was established to examine these issues. Maori people had to fight a lot to reach the goal which they own today. The complicated history of many war-times and their devotion for the country, traditions and art has made them known for the entire world.