By about this date, it was believed the Polynesians had settled into New Zealand and had developed eventually into what is known as the Maori people. These people were warlike people and also are known because of the practice of cannibalism. Their culture shifted several times, yet the most important shift came with the extinction of the Moa, a bird that was unable to fly. Therefore, horticulture became more popular. Some facts about their culture are: - They ate a lot of seafood since they were close to the ocean. - Their languages where: Maori and Whanau. - They preserved history orally. - Arts included: Whaikorero, dances such as haka, weaving, and tamoko or tattoo making.
DISCOVERY OF NEW ZEALAND
1642: Abel Tasman, a dutch explorer is the first European to reach the Island. 1769: British Captain James Cook, explores the coastlines, also in the years 1773, and 1779.
ABEL TASMAN
Was a dutch seaman, explorer and merchant. He is best known for his voyages on 1642 and 1644, in name of the DUTCH EAST INDIA COMPANY. He was the first European to discover Tasmania, New Zealand, and the first one to sight the Fiji Islands.