Maori+Intro+page


 * __ Introduction to the Maori Peoples __**
 * By: Mab Coates-Davies and Ruthie Wellen **
 * Mentor : Oriana Muzzin **

The Rise of the Peoples - Early Years The Fall of the Peoples - Later Years Back Our project was on the history of the Maori peoples, the native inhabitants of New Zealand. These peoples came from Polynesia, between the times of 950 and 1300 AD. They developed a very distinct culture, created their own weapons, forms of art and a unique social-political structure. This civilization began to decline with the arrival of the Europeans in the 1600s. However, there is still a small but flourishing Maori population living in New Zealand today.




 * __MAORI TIMELINE__ **


 * **__ YEAR __** || **__ EVENT __** ||
 * **950-** || Kupe discovers New Zealand, naming it Aotearoa (Land of the Long White Cloud). ||
 * **1150-** || Explorers, Toi and Whatonga, follow Kupe’s example and sail to New Zealand. ||
 * **1200-** || Believed to be the time of the first arrival of the Maori. ||
 * **1200-1642-** || Maori civilization is at its climax; undisturbed by explorers. ||
 * **1642-** || First Europeans make contact with Maoris. Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman names country ‘Nieuw Zeeland’ then leaves. ||
 * **1769-** || Capt. James Cook begins exploring New Zealand. He brings European animals, diseases and products. ||
 * **1840-** || Treaty of Waitangi signed by British and Maori leaders giving ownership of the country to Britain. ||
 * **1960-** || Four government seats officially reserved for Maoris in parliament. ||
 * **1975-** || Waitangi Tribunal formed to hear claims of Treaty abuse and to return land, money etc. into the hands of the Maoris. ||