Tangata Whenua

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.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details