17. What are the key findings we have learnt in New Zealand's Early European Explorers?

Here are the key findings from the Blog Series titled "New Zealand's Early European Explorers":

1. Early European Exploration: The Blogs explore the possibility that Portuguese or Spanish navigators may have arrived in New Zealand before Abel Tasman in 1642.

   
   

2. Cristóvão de Mendonça's Expedition: Cristóvão de Mendonça led an expedition in 1522/23 from Malacca, Malaysia, with four ships to explore Australia's east coast and New Zealand's North Island. His fleet mapped the eastern coastline of Australia and most of the North Island of New Zealand long before other European explorers officially recorded their discoveries.

3. Vallard Atlas: The Vallard Atlas, part of the Dieppe Portulan map series, contains detailed maps of these voyages, showcasing the navigational achievements of the Portuguese. The map of Illa do Magna, which depicts the North Island of New Zealand, is highlighted for its accuracy and the presence of Portuguese place names.

   

4. Evidence of Portuguese Presence: Evidence supporting Mendonça's presence in Wellington Harbour includes the discovery of a sixteenth-century European iron helmet and a large iron cannonball. Māori oral traditions and a British chart from 1817 referring to the area as the "Gulf of the Portuguese 1550" further support the theory of Portuguese exploration.

5. Treaties and Priorities: Portugal did not follow up on Mendonça's discoveries due to the Treaty of Tordesillas and the Treaty of Zaragoza, along with more pressing priorities in other regions. The Portuguese defeat in North Maluku in 1575 and the subsequent rise of Dutch influence in Southeast Asia also contributed to Portugal's reduced presence in the region.

   
   

6. Historians' Views: This Blog Series includes commentary from historians like Dr. Thomas Hocken and Dr. Robert McNab, who support the authenticity of the Dieppe Maps and the likelihood of Portuguese exploration in New Zealand.

   
   

These findings provide a detailed account of early European exploration in New Zealand, highlighting the significant contributions of Portuguese navigators like Cristóvão de Mendonça and the evidence supporting their presence in the region.

Your next read in the series: Coming soon...