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2.2.1 Arrival and adaptation in Aotearoa
Maori development in New Zealand can be discussed according to three time
periods: colonial (archaic), transitional and tribal (classic) (King, 2003;
McLintock, 1966). The colonial (archaic) period is also known as the ‘Moa
Hunter period’ and refers to the arrival of Polynesians (later to be called
Maori) to the shores of Aotearoa - New Zealand. The new arrivals spread
quickly through the country establishing and consolidating their presence.
The colonial period gave way to the transitional period as the once plentiful
food resources disappeared, ushering in a period where Maori refined their
skills of gardening, seafood gathering and snaring for small game. Cultivation
of food and its preservation became essential in the transitional period and
soon replaced the explorative and roving lifestyle (King, 2003). This led
inevitably to the establishment of fortified settlements - growing crops and
stored food had to be protected.
The groups of Maori who were now settling into regions also became more
focused and organised as unique sub-tribes of the original waka, and were
claiming territory. King (2003) commented, "the cultural focus shifted steadily
away from cultures of origin to a singular awareness of and commitment to
the adopted homeland" (King, 2003: 74). In other words, Maori had divided,
identifying as unique tribal groups. New technologies and practices were tried
for meeting new environmental challenges; different kinds of dwelling and
clothing to keep warm, different ways of growing, gathering, preserving and
storing food. New forms of carving and ornamentation developed, reflecting
both different working mediums and shifting perceptions of cultural and
spiritual realities (King, 2003). What this all added up to was the process by
which an imported culture, that of East Polynesians, left to develop in
isolation, became an indigenous culture; Te Ao Maori (The Maori world).
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