Although none of these has been definitively proven, most historians agree that the voyage to New Zealand was intentional and carried out by careful planning and skillful exploration. In support of that theory, it is argued that a raft or canoe blown off course would not have had enough people or supplies to establish a long-term settlement. When? Archaeological evidence indicates that the western Pacific region, including South-East Asia, New Guinea and Australia, was settled long before the islands of New Zealand. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples arrived in Australia at least 50 000 years ago, and the Polynesian islands were settled more than 3000 years ago. In contrast, New Zealand was first settled only about one thousand years ago.
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. How did the geographic locations of the M̄aori settlements influence their way of life and culture? 2. Why were the hunting grounds of the moa significant for the M̄aori people, and what impact did this have on the society? 3. What role did the deposits of pounamu and obsidian play in the development of M̄aori tools and trade?
SOURCE2 Areas of Maõ ri settlement, hunting grounds of the moa and deposits of pounamu and obsidian.
0 100
200 300
kilometres
North Island
T A S M A N
NEW ZEALAND (AOTEAROA)
S E A
South Island
S O U T H
PA C I F I C
O C E A N
Key
Pounamu
Obsidian
Movement of people
Initial area of settlement c. 1000CE
Concentrated settlement by 1300 CE
Moa hunting ground
Seal hunting ground
Rohe borders
Source: Map drawn by Spatial Vision.
11.6.2 The geography of Aotearoa The small coral atolls and volcanic islands in the Pacific gave the Polynesians a chance to farm and fish. Most Polynesian communities lived more from the sea than the land, but when they settled in Aotearoa (New Zealand), the M̄aori had to adapt to a new climate. They brought plants and animals with them and also used the natural resources of their new home. Aotearoa was the last stop for Polynesian explorers and became their largest island home. The two main islands of New Zealand are bigger than all the other islands of Polynesia combined. Because of the big population and advanced technology, we know much more about life in Aotearoa than in other Polynesian cultures.
Jacaranda Humanities Alive 8 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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