* Archaeological evidence: Radiocarbon dating of artifacts and human remains suggests a settlement date around the 13th century.
* Oral traditions: Māori oral histories, known as *whakapapa*, tell of a long journey across the Pacific from Hawaiki (a mythical homeland) to Aotearoa (New Zealand). While these traditions are not considered scientifically verifiable, they provide a valuable cultural context for understanding Māori origins.
It's important to note that:
* The arrival was not a single event: Māori didn't arrive all at once. It's likely there were multiple migrations over a period of time.
* There's ongoing research: The exact date and details of the Māori arrival are still being researched and debated.
The accepted timeframe of around 1280 AD is a useful starting point for understanding the history of the Māori people in New Zealand.