* Radiocarbon dating: This technique dates organic materials, such as bones and wood, to determine their age.
* Linguistic analysis: Comparisons of Māori language to other Polynesian languages suggest a relatively late arrival.
* Archaeological evidence: Sites like the Wairau Bar in the Marlborough Sounds show evidence of human occupation dating back to this period.
It's important to note that:
* Māori are not a homogenous group. Different tribes arrived at different times, and their migration patterns are complex.
* The "earliest" Māori arrival is a point in time, not a single event. It's likely that the arrival of Māori was a gradual process, with small groups arriving over a period of time.
Despite the uncertainty around exact dates, it is clear that Māori have been in New Zealand for over 700 years, creating a rich and complex history and culture.