Overview: NEW ZEALAND FIRST SETTLERS

The prevailing archaeological view is that New Zealand was first settled around 1280 AD by Polynesians from East Polynesia, as indicated by sites such as the Wairau Bar. However, this blog series re-examines that perspective, proposing that earlier settlers—possibly from Southeast Asia—may have arrived over four thousand years ago. Drawing on oral histories, archaeological findings, linguistic evidence, and DNA analysis, it explores the likelihood of this alternative scenario.

Historical records show that India established extensive maritime trade networks with Southeast Asia between four and six thousand years ago, engaging in significant cultural and commercial exchange. During this era, Indian ships—capable of carrying over 500 tonnes—traded as far as China and may have ventured south of Sumatra, utilizing the East Australian Current, which branches toward New Zealand. These voyages could have included Southeast Asian sailors under Indian command.

Such expeditions may have led to the earliest human settlement in New Zealand. The ships were equipped for long ocean journeys and motivated by the search for resources such as gold and spices. They also had the capacity to transport enough people, including women of child-bearing age, to establish a sustainable population.

This hypothesis does not exclude later arrivals from East Polynesia but suggests that their numbers were likely much smaller than those who may have come directly from Southeast Asia. East Polynesians trace their origins to Southeast Asia.

Read the Blog Series: New Zealand First Settlers

1. Did People Settle in New Zealand Over 2000 Years Ago?

New Zealand First Settlers