While the exact origins and arrival dates of the Māori are still debated, it is generally accepted that they migrated from Polynesia, specifically from the islands of Eastern Polynesia, around 1,000 years ago.
Their ancestors, who were skilled seafarers, likely travelled in canoes across vast stretches of the Pacific Ocean, guided by the stars and knowledge of ocean currents. This journey was a testament to their courage, navigational skills, and cultural resilience.
Here are some key points about the Māori arrival in New Zealand:
* Origins: They came from Eastern Polynesia, most likely from the Society Islands or the Cook Islands.
* Time: Their arrival is estimated to have occurred between 1280 and 1350 CE, though some estimates place it as early as 900 CE.
* Travel: They travelled in large, double-hulled canoes, known as waka.
* Settlement: They settled throughout the islands, establishing their own distinct cultures and languages.
It's important to understand that the Māori are not "immigrants" to New Zealand. They are the tangata whenua (people of the land), the indigenous people who have lived on these islands for centuries.