A introduction to New Zealand culture.

The culture of New Zealand is formed from a succession of immigrants.
The first settlers are believed to have been the present day Moari's ancestors.
There have been a lot of theories and speculation about their origins, first arrival dates and mode of arrival.
The current belief based on research including, analysis of volcanic ash, radiocarbon dating of archaeological settlement sites, DNA analysis of the Pacific rat and of Maori females, and reconstruction of ancient Polynesian canoes. Is that NZ was settled by people from East Polynesia, the Southern Cook and Society islands region. They migrated on purpose, setting off in different canoes, at various times; and that they first arrived in the late 13th century.

There is a strong scientific basis for these conclusions, but this may change as new evidence is discovered.
The Maori name for Auckland is Tamaki-makau-rau (Tamaki of a hundred lovers ).
Various tribes settled around the Auckland isthmus, growing kumara (sweet potatoes) in the fertile volcanic soil. European traders and missionaries arrived in the 1820s, spreading their traditions and the English language, and a township quickly grew.
In 1840 Governor William Hobson, set up the town of Auckland at Tamaki.
It was the country’s capital until 1865.Maori culture influenced the new immigrants and a distinctive NZ European (Pakeha) civilization has developed.
Maori–European conflict over land led to war in the "Moari Land Wars", in the 1860s, and tribal land claims continue today.
Recent immigration from all over the world, particularly the Pacific, East Asia and South Asia is influencing the evolving society.

Many traditions associated with NZ Europeans, can also be found in the traditions of other English-speaking nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia Ireland, and the United States.
Both Maori and Pakeha have imitated and adapted cultural forms from other countries creating recognisably NZ versions. For example NZ hip-hop, is popular in urban Maori and Pacific Island communities and is a noticeable case of this occuring.


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