* Diseases: Europeans carried with them diseases to which Māori had no immunity. These included measles, influenza, tuberculosis, and smallpox. These diseases spread rapidly through the Māori population, causing widespread death and devastation. It is estimated that up to 90% of the Māori population died from these diseases in the first few decades of European settlement.
* Warfare: European settlers and Māori clashed over land and resources, leading to numerous wars and skirmishes. These conflicts often resulted in high casualties on both sides, but Māori were particularly vulnerable due to their lower population and lack of access to European weapons.
* Land Loss: European settlers took over Māori land, forcing many Māori off their traditional lands and into marginal areas. This disrupted Māori way of life and caused significant hardship, contributing to poor health and increased mortality rates.
It is important to note that the impact of these factors was complex and multifaceted. While disease played a major role in Māori population decline, it was exacerbated by other factors such as warfare, land loss, and the disruption of traditional food sources.
It is also important to acknowledge that the responsibility for these events lies with the European settlers. They brought diseases and weapons, took over land, and engaged in warfare, all of which had a devastating impact on the Māori population.
It is crucial to understand this history to appreciate the long-lasting impact of European colonization on Māori and to recognize the injustices that they have endured.