14. How credible is an oral history as being evidence of pre-Polynesian habitation?

Recent blogs have highlighted historical accounts from Māori oral tradition suggesting that other people were already present in New Zealand upon their arrival. How much credibility can we assign to the authenticity of these accounts? This topic is explored further in this blog: Who were New Zealand's first settlers?

Māori Oral History

Credibility of Oral Histories

Oral histories are widely accepted as part of the historical record. Today, Māori oral traditions span approximately 40 generations, with knowledge passed down through successive generations. The Māori language was solely oral until English missionaries collaborated with Māori to develop a written form.

The preceding discussions draw upon oral histories recorded approximately 150 years ago, at a time when mechanical recording was not available. Oral traditions inherently carry the risk of bias, as they rely on memory and individual interpretations of historical events. Consequently, oral histories are often modified as they pass between generations.

Nevertheless, numerous accounts suggest that people were already in New Zealand when the Polynesians arrived. Additionally, descriptions imply that more than one demographic group may have settled at different times. Over time, these groups likely intermixed, evolving into new communities. Notably, significant differences exist in the physical appearances of today’s Māori population. Early European settlers referred to the people living in the country before their arrival as “New Zealanders.” The term “Māori” was later adopted to differentiate between the existing population and European newcomers. This suggests that the origins of those categorized as “Māori” may be more diverse than simply tracing back to East Polynesia.

Greater attention should be given to historical records from 150 years ago, where bilingual commentators documented oral histories directly from Māori who spoke of the physical diversity among early settlers. These commentators had the advantage of communicating firsthand with people whose knowledge was closer to the time of these early migrations, rather than relying solely on contemporary narratives.

What are some examples you may know suggesting the possible presence of pre-Polynesian inhabitants in New Zealand? How do you view the credibility of oral histories?

Your next read in the series: 15. What can archaeological discoveries teach us about New Zealand’s past?