This section contains relevant information that is widely accepted about the coming of Maori to Aotearoa New Zealand. Note, however, the information contained is only relevant to present research methods that are improving every day.
The Artistic Landscape By Peter Simpson
This is information about the artistic landscape of New Zealand, the history and influences of Maori Art.
Kupe
Kupe was a great chief of
Hawaiki (Tahiti), whose father was from Rarotonga, and whose mother was from Rangiatea (Ra’iatea), where her father lived. These were the three islands over which Kupe’s mana (power) extended.
The Maori of New Zealand
The Maori are the first settlers of New Zealand. Maori is the language of the first settlers of New Zealand. The word Maori means normal or ordinary person in the Maori language, and in some other Polynesian languages. The word Maori is also applied to the people and language of the Cook Islands which are both referred to as Cook Islands Maori.
New Zealand
New Zealand is home to the Tangata Whenua (people of the land), the Maori. It is believed that the Polynesian navigator Kupe was the first man to sight New Zealand around AD 950 and then returned home to tell of his findings. Around AD 1350 seven great migratory canoes (whaka) sailed from Hawaiki to New Zealand.
Journey to Aotearoa
New Zealand or Aotearoa (ay-oh-tay-ah-row-ah) is home to the Tangata Whenua (people of the land), the Maori. It is widely believed that the Maori people originated from the tropical islands of Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. The Polynesians were master navigators, using the stars, the direction of sea birds in flight, cloud patterns and the colour of the water as guides, they crossed the Pacific Ocean with canoes that had been built to withstand heavy seas and were able to carry many people and their possessions over great distances.
Gondwana 80 million years ago
New Zealand’s colourful history commences from the time when the Rangitata landmass separated from the ancient supercontinent of Gondwana 80 million years ago, evolving to become modern New Zealand.
Hawaiki
Hawaiki, the legendary homeland of the Maori peoples of Aotearoa/New Zealand, from whence we migrated to this land about 1000 years ago. Where is Hawaiki? Many have speculated that it lies somewhere in the Pacific, somewhere in Polynesia.