Nz

[Chipchopper]

Was New zealand inhabited before the arrival of the Maori ?

[treetops68]

Not from what I can recall from my reading but I stand to be corrected. (My memory is getting a bit rusty these days!)

[sandyRoe]

I believe it was. But, like Treetops68, I can't remember who the original natives were.

[sandyRoe]

Or maybe not.
http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/science/plants-animals-fungi/ecosystems/prehistoric-settlement

[gerbra]

I don't think so.

[mushroom25]

the first human inhabitants of new zealand arrived as late as the 13th century. they came from eastern polynesia, and their culture evolved into what is now called "maori".

[redman41]

I believe NZ was inhabited by Hobbits.
Saw them in Lord of the Rings.....:-))

[jno]

no. It is the most recently inhabited country. (Iceland is second most recent.)

It was once believed that the Moriori people were there first, but these are now thought to have been a different group of Maori who settled nearby islands.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moriori

[Brinjal]

Yes Moriori were the first. Different to the Maori.

[Old_Geezer]

Wasn't Sherlock always crossing swords with them ?

[Brinjal]

Tee hee O G .

[Chipchopper]

Thank you Sandy. Always worth researching an answer.