Finally, they reached a lush green land enveloped by clouds. They called it Aotearoa, the “land of the long white cloud.” It is now known as the North Island of New Zealand. These people were the first to call it their home. They were the ancestors of the present Maori (MAW-ree).
New Zealand was the last large landmass (besides Antarctica) to be occupied by humans. For years, little was known about the first inhabitants of New Zealand. But now, thanks to the efforts of researchers, many of whom are Maori, the puzzle is being pieced together.
Where Did the First New Zealanders Come From?
Eighteenth-century British explorers thought that the ancestors of the Maori came from Polynesia, a group of islands in the Pacific Ocean. This was because the Maori looked like other Polynesians. They also had similar languages and customs.
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Three Birds OF NEW ZEALAND
Before humans settled in New Zealand, the lush native plants fed an incredible variety of birds. As bird species developed through time, some did not need wings because they had no natural predators. Here are three bird stars that you won’t find in the sky—the kiwi, the weka, and the little blue penguin.
The First Trip to New Zealand
A group of people in long wooden canoes set sail from East Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean about 800 years ago. For days, they voyaged southwest. Strong currents and gusts of winds pounded them. Still, they pushed on.
THE ALL BLACKS
UNLOCKING THE SECRETS TO SUCCESS
SEARCHING for HEROES
These are three stories of discovery from New Zealand.
The Island of Birds
Imagine an island untouched by humans and without any large mammals. Colorful and strange birds of all shapes and sizes swoop over lush forests and seaside hills.
RUNNING OF THE SHEEP
Lots of people have heard of the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, but did you know that in New Zealand, there is an annual running of the sheep? The Te Kuiti Shearing Championships Running of the Sheep is held in late March or early April. The Saturday afternoon event is part of the Great New Zealand Muster.
NEW ZEALAND: Land of the Hobbits… and So Much More
You might think that you don’t know very much about New Zealand, but chances are that you have seen it.
New Zealand – High Five
Located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes. New Zealanders are passionate about protecting their land and their culture. Here are five fascinating facts to get you started.
Living Above The Boiling Earth
You know immediately that something strange is going on in the city of Rotorua.
Fuzzy Fruit
If you travel to Te Puke (teh POOK-ee), a town on the northern coast of New Zealand, you will see strange orchards. Instead of rows of trees, these orchards have rows of short wooden frames called pergolas, on which twining vines grow. The fuzzy, brown fruit that grows on these vines is the reason Te Puke calls itself the Kiwifruit Capital of the World.
Liya Cascad
Ilya Cascad is an award-winning ornamental tattoo artist. He became famous because of huge 3D optical illusions he managed to fit in his projects.
How An Elite Athlete Used His Work Ethic To Create An Entrepreneurial Empire
How an elite athlete used his work ethic to create an entrepreneurial empire
TWO PACIFIC CROSSINGS
After one stress-free trip, you might find the ‘coconut milk run’ doesn’t always do what it says on the tin
Jenny Wheatley's Journey
An exhibition of work by renowned British painter Jenny Wheatley is coming to Stow-on-the-Wold this month