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5. How Long Have Humans Inhabited New Zealand’s Neighbouring Regions? (Part 2)

  • Writer: Kerry Paul
    Kerry Paul
  • Jun 13
  • 1 min read
Aboriginals long time ago
Aboriginals long time ago

Southeast Asia: The Origins of Early Migration

Evidence of habitation in Southeast Asia dates back nearly two million years, with Homo erectus living in the region. Modern human remains discovered in New Guinea suggest that populations migrated from Southeast Asia roughly 50,000 years ago. These migrations, originating from Africa between 50,000 and 70,000 years ago, marked New Guinea as one of the earliest landmasses after Africa and Eurasia to be settled.



Australia’s First Settlers


Australia’s history of human habitation spans over 60,000 years. The Kimberley region in Western Australia is thought to be one of the first landing points for early settlers. These populations quickly migrated across the continent within 6,000 years. Genetic studies reveal that Aboriginal Australians share ancestry with Eastern Eurasians and are closely linked to other Oceanian groups like Melanesians.


Alongside Aboriginal peoples, the Torres Strait Islander peoples were among the first human inhabitants of Australia. Their homeland lies between Cape York in Queensland and the southwestern coast of Papua New Guinea. Of Melanesian origin, they share cultural traits and customs with the peoples of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.


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Kerry Paul Business man and blogger
Kerry Paul – Stepping Out of Your Bubble Author
​

Hi, I'm Kerry. I enjoy challenging people by asking questions and presenting different views to encourage critical thinking. My 45-year career has always had a global focus, building successful relationships in over 50 countries. I am empathetic to diverse views, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, culture, or socio-economic status. Join me on a captivating journey as we explore how India shaped the world over two thousand years ago, potentially leading to the first settlement of New Zealand. This blog series aims to expand readers' awareness and knowledge of how people may have come to New Zealand in pre-Polynesian times. Given the time constraints many readers face, I am providing a platform for them to consider these intriguing possibilities in easy-to-read blog posts.

 

Who were the first people to settle in New Zealand? How did India possibly contribute to any development, given its major role over 2000 years ago in some of New Zealand’s closest neighbours? These questions will guide our exploration and open up a rich dialogue about the historical connections and cultural exchanges that may have shaped New Zealand's early settlements.

 

I'd be more than happy to discuss with readers of my blog about India, its history as well as New Zealand and the suggested origins of its first settlers. 

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