4. How Long Have Humans Inhabited New Zealand’s Neighbouring Regions? (Part 1)

New Zealand's neighbouring regions, like Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Southeast Asia, boast histories of human habitation spanning thousands of years. Australia, for example, has been home to Aboriginal peoples for over 65,000 years—making them one of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth. The Pacific Islands, including Melanesia and Polynesia, were settled by seafaring peoples who undertook epic voyages across the ocean, starting around 3,000 years ago.

Oceania’s Human History and Migration: Before New Zealand’s Habitation

New Zealand, though geographically remote, has a fascinating relationship with its neighbouring regions in Oceania. Its isolation has often been attributed to its late discovery, around 740 years ago, despite its closest neighbour, Australia, being inhabited for over 60,000 years. The proximity of Australia—just 1,500 kilometres from New Zealand’s South Island—and both nations’ shared membership in the wider region of Oceania tie them to an extended history of human settlement and migration.

Understanding Oceania

Oceania encompasses Southeast Asia, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. It is further divided into subregions:

• Australasia: Includes Australia and New Zealand.

• Melanesia: Incorporates New Guinea and surrounding islands.

• Micronesia and Polynesia: Scattered across the expansive Pacific.

  
  

These divisions highlight the diversity and complexity of Oceania’s cultural and historical tapestry.

While all Oceanian territories except New Zealand show evidence of human habitation dating back thousands—or even tens of thousands—of years, one intriguing question emerges: was New Zealand truly "left out" until the Polynesian arrivals? Or could earlier habitation have occurred under certain conditions? Who were New Zealand's first settlers?

Your next read in the series: 5. How Long Have Humans Inhabited New Zealand’s Neighbouring Regions? (Part 2)