The Maori people of New Zealand trace their origins to the mythical land of Hawaiki, usually identified as the island of Tahiti. Maori tradition maintain that they arrived in New Zealand between the 12th and the 14th centuries, though archaeological evidence indicates their presence in New Zealand as early as 800 CE and possibly earlier. The advent of the Europeans in the 17th century resulted in chaos and upheaval in the Maori way of life. Conflict over land between the Maori and the new settlers led to war, and the Maori way of life began to disintegrate. Today, the Maori make up about fifteen percent of New Zealand’s population;  the preservation of the Maori language and Maori customs and traditions took on greater importance with the re-assertion of Maori identity during the 20th century.

Here are some of their fascinating stories for you to read.