Around 850 years ago Polynesian explorers found an empty land and the story of people in Aotearoa began. A new culture emerged; tangata whenua had arrived and started to thrive.
In part two, Polynesian explorers reach new shores far to the south; a land unlike anything they had seen before. It's a story of technological innovation, new horizons and becoming a new, distinct people.
Watch the video version of the episode here
Topics covered:
- The origins of Polynesian people.
- Technological development of ocean-going waka.
- Polynesian exploration and occupation of Pacific islands.
- Discovery of Aotearoa/New Zealand by Polynesians.
- Origins of the Moriori and myths about Moriori.
- The challenges faced by early Māori.
- Extinction of the Moa and other large birds.
- Development of distinct Māori culture.
- The basics of Tikanga Māori.
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