New Zealand Timeline Before 1840
Land Ownership and Settlement
Somewhere between 800 and 1200 AD the first Polynesian settlers arrive in New Zealand. They establish communities in many parts of the country Most communities are located in coastal northern areas.
Over time Māori develop several forms of land ownership. Some land is held by individuals, some by whanau (family) and some by hapu (tribe). In pre-European days Māori have no concept of buying and selling land, but tribes acquire land as a result of battles.
In 1642 the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman becomes the first European to discover New Zealand.
In I 769 James Cook makes his first visit to New Zealand.
Between 1800 - 1820 small whaling and trading settlements are established around the coastline.
In 1814 the first missionary settlement led by Samuel Marsden is established in the Bay of Islands.
During the 1820s - 1830s whaling reaches its peak. Some whalers also run farms and carry out trade in flax, potatoes, timber and fish.
The whalers and settlers purchase land from Māori.
Under the Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 the Crown recognises Māori as owner of all land except that which has been validly purchased. The Crown finds many claims of purchase to be invalid.
Land Use
Before Polynesians arrive in New Zealand the land is covered in forest, grasses, alpine plants and swamplands.
Widespread deforestation occurs, especially in the South Island, as Māori burn trees and tussock to round up moa and drive them toward hunters. In some areas Māori also hunt kereru wood pigeon) and titi (mutton bird). Māori cultivate kumara, taro, gourds, and yams in warmer northern areas.
Shellfish and fish are an important food in coastal regions. Fern root is a staple part of the diet. Māori migrate with the seasons to use different food sources.
Food resources are protected by customs like raahui or a ban on use of a resource in a certain area. Despite this 35 species of native birds become extinct and others are depleted. Forest cover is reduced by 505 over the first 1000 years of Māori settlement.
European missionaries link the gospel with their stated task of "civilising the new country". Missionaries encourage Māori to diversify their agriculture. Samuel Marsden introduces horses and Shorthorn cattle in 1814. He also brings sheep and plants peach trees.
Commerce
Trade or exchange of goods between Māori tribes is common. Trade is based on barter instead of exchange of money.
Trade with New South Wales begins in the 1790s.
From the early 1790s American, British, Australian and later French whalers and sealers hunt the southern waters. The timber industry begins in the l820s when British Royal Navy ships cut spars in the Bay of Islands, Hokianga Harbour and the Thames. A successful ship-building industry begins at Hokianga.
From 1805 NZ seal skins, whale oil and timber are traded in New South Wales.
The flax trade booms in the late 1820s early 1830s. In 1837 1063 tons of flax is exported. Sydney and Hobart merchants establish agents around New Zealand. Māori supply flax in return for muskets. Māori produce potatoes, other vegetables, fruit and pigs for sale to whalers and trade their goods for powder shot, tomahawks, blankets, calico, clothing, pipes, tobacco and muskets.
In the 1830s wheat is exported to New South Wales. The Sydney Gazette of 12 May 1836 reports: "New Zealand is becoming a perfect granary (wheat supply) for New South Wales."
Agricultural Events
| 1773 | Captain James Cook introduces goats, pigs, geese, barnyard fowls and potatoes to New Zealand. |
| 1792 | Sealing and whaling begins. |
| 1820 | The first European plough is used at Kerikeri by missionary John Butler |
| 1831 | A mode! farm which demonstrates British agricultural practices is established at Waimate mission station by Church Missionary Society missionaries. |
| 1832 | Merino sheep are imported from Sydney by John Bell Wright. |
| 1835 | Gorse becomes established after being imported for use as stock fences. |
| 1835 | Charles Darwin observes crops of barley growing in the vicinity of the Bay of Islands while sailing on board the Beagle. |
| 1839 | The first export shipment of wool is made to Hobart. |
Community
Māori have a deep spiritual connection to the land. Mana or prestige held for a person or object and tapu or sacred ban are social controls in Māori society. Māori adopt aspects of the technology agricultural methods, ideas and religion brought by settlers and missionaries.
The first European women arrived in 1806 Traders, missionaries and other settler families arriving in New Zealand face a harsh environment. The settlers are separated from any extended family support. Many work long hours doing manual work. People marry young and childbearing is frequent. Both Māori and European women bear on average six or more children. The pioneer lifestyle exposes settlers to accidental deaths from drowning, falling trees and burns and scalds. Many women die in pregnancy or labour.
Settlers interact with and depend upon local Māori for food and protection.
By 1839 there are approximately 2000 settlers in New Zealand. 1400 of these are in the North Island and 600 in the South Island. Almost all live in small settlements on the coast or along the rivers. People travel by canoe, boat and foot. The first horses and bullocks brought by Europeans provide transport for the wealthy
Before Europeans arrive Māori are free of the acute infectious diseases common in European populations at the time. Instead back injury from strenuous physical activity and tooth and gum disease from eating foods like fern root are common ailments.
Government Policy
Māori society is organised tribally - there is no sense of national identity. The tohunga or spiritual leader and rangatira or chief hold spiritual and tribal authority.
After British citizens begin living in New Zealand there is a call for the conduct of British residents toward Māori to be regulated. in the 1820s provision is made for people committing offences in New Zealand to be tried in New South Wales. James Busby who arrives in 1833 as British Resident, is the first European official to be present. Busby finds it difficult to establish control over the settlers and their interactions with Māori.
Busby believes that Māori need a central governing body. He gathers 34 chiefs at Waitangi in October 1835. A Declaration of Independence is signed in which Māori declare their country an independent state and ask the British king to be their protector.
The colonising schemes of the New Zealand Company concern about the future of Māori, and some concern regarding the intentions of the French, lead the Colonial Office in England to send Captain William Hobson to the Bay of islands to arrange a treaty' of colonisation with Māori chiefs.
The Treaty is signed by almost all the chiefs present at Waitangi on 6 February 1840, and by about 500 chiefs around some other parts of the country over the next few months. The Treaty becomes known as the Treaty of Waitangi.
Under the Treaty the chiefs keep their authority over their lands, dwelling places and treasures but the Crown maintains some rights over land purchases. This clause is intended to protect the Māori from unscrupulous speculators. The Treaty gives Māori all the rights and privileges of British citizens. In British eyes New Zealand has become a British colony
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