The Population of People Residing in New Zealand

In this term, we have been looking at the 'Treaty of Waitangi'. In doing so we look at the history of New Zealand. The history of people of Maori descent and the colonization that happened around 2 centuries ago. Through this study, we also have learnt some of the terms used in the culture of Maori and their beliefs. The information then began to lead up to the signing of the 'treaty' and the conflicts between the Maori themselves and Europeans. In this session, we began to look at the population--the difference-- between the Maori and Europeans starting from specifically 1836-1901.  In this, we see the increase in the population of Europeans in contrast to the decline of Maori.

The decline of Maori happened predominantly because of conflict. It may have happened due to the sudden influx of the Europeans and especially the muskets. Although conflict was not uncommon between the Maori iwis but the involvement of guns increased the number of deaths. This resulted in a decline in population. Other reasons may have come from the diseases--foreign diseases-- that the Europeans brought in. The Europeans saw a great opportunity to trade with the Maori, in addition, they also had fewer mechanisms and were less advance which the Europeans took advantage of. This resulted in big gains, for the Europeans, whales and seals that were killed --with the help of Maori-- were traded with other countries which gave them more money. 

Hence, as trading got bigger more Europeans came and in doing so colonized Aotearoa.