Where is it believed that the maori people come from?

The Maori people are believed to have originated from Eastern Polynesia, specifically from the islands of Hawaiki. However, the exact location of Hawaiki is still debated among scholars, and it's likely that it wasn't a single island, but rather a collective term for a group of islands in the region.

Here's a breakdown of what we know:

* Oral Tradition: Maori oral traditions and genealogies speak of ancestors who traveled to Aotearoa (New Zealand) from Hawaiki. This journey was likely made in multiple waves of migration, spanning centuries.

* Linguistic Evidence: The Maori language is closely related to other Polynesian languages, particularly those spoken in the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Cook Islands.

* Archaeological Evidence: While archaeological evidence in New Zealand itself doesn't pinpoint the exact origin, comparisons with Polynesian artifacts and settlement patterns suggest a shared ancestry with the Eastern Polynesian region.

* Genetic Evidence: Recent genetic studies support the theory of a Polynesian origin, indicating close genetic connections between Maori and populations from the Society Islands, the Marquesas Islands, and the Cook Islands.

It's important to note that the exact location of Hawaiki remains a topic of ongoing research and debate. The Maori people themselves are a diverse group with varying interpretations and understanding of their origins, and their oral traditions are considered valuable sources of knowledge about their history.