Māori history
Māori are tangata whenua — people of the land. They came to Aotearoa from Polynesia in the 13th century and created a new language and culture.
Māori origins
Research indicates that Māori originated in eastern Polynesia.
Polynesian explorers and exploration of New Zealand
European settlement
Abel Tasman’s arrival in 1642 is the first firm evidence of Europeans reaching New Zealand.
Māori values and practices — in contact with Europeans
Treaty of Waitangi — te Tiriti o Waitangi
The Treaty is New Zealand’s founding document made between the British Crown and about 540 Māori rangatira (chiefs).
Explore the Treaty of Waitangi
A range of features about the Treaty and Waitangi Day
Visit the Waitangi treaty grounds and treaty house
The original Treaty documents are at He Tohu at the National Library in Wellington. You can view the Treaty any time during opening hours. If you’re a large group or want a guide, you can book a free guided tour.
Visit He Tohu at the National Library