Is There Controversy Over the Original Inhabitants of New Zealand?

Despite popularbelief, there is no significant controversy regarding who the original inhabitants of New Zealand were. Historical and scientific evidence strongly supports the notion that the original explorers who arrived in these islands were people from the Pacific islands to the north. These descendants are known as the Maori. DNA research has further corroborated the oral traditions of the Maori, lending scientific support to their claims of being the first.

Why Conspiracy Theories Persist

While the majority of New Zealanders accept the Maori as the original inhabitants, a small but vocal segment of the population continues to dispute this. Some people, driven by political or ideological motivations, argue that Celts, red-headed Vikings, or hobbits were the first to arrive. However, these claims are overwhelmingly dismissed by experts and history enthusiasts.

The misinformation often stems from books published by a local business known as Tross. Most New Zealand booksellers have refused to sell these books due to the numerous subversive and discredited titles they contain. Other countries have not shown the same level of scrutiny, and the far-right alt-Right has been active in promoting these books.

Official Denial and Misinformation

Claims that Maori and the government are actively trying to erase New Zealand's real history are often rooted in conspiracy theories. For instance, the Austrian government's return of the Mori Ori bones from the mainland to New Zealand was seen as an inconvenient truth. This event highlighted the unresolved historical issues surrounding the treatment of Maori ancestors.

Another aspect of the controversy is the political correctness and white guilt in the country. Some individuals feel that the assurance that they recognize Maori contributions to New Zealand can be seen as a form of brainwashing. This perspective is often held by segments of the population that want to disenfranchise Maori and challenge their historical claims.

Scientific Evidence and Oral Traditions

Several Maori chiefs, such as Tama Iti and David Rankin Bothe, assert that their oral history indicates the presence of other people when their ancestors arrived. These claims often clash with the widely accepted narrative that the Maori were the first to settle New Zealand.

However, these oral traditions need corroboration. One source that provides some insight into the claims made by these chiefs is the Te Roroa Waipoua Archaeological Advisory Service or Board. This organization has a detailed account of the findings, including 5 pages of written accounts. These are locked away until 2063 and are inaccessible to the public due to the tapu nature of the area, controlled by DOC and local Iwi.

The inconsistencies in the historical narrative underscore the challenges in confirming the origins of the original inhabitants. While the Maori are the most widely recognized group, questions remain about the true history of New Zealand.

Conclusion

While there is no scientific controversy about the Maori being the original inhabitants of New Zealand, the narratives and historical claims remain complex and disputed. The continued debate highlights the importance of scholarly research and transparent historical documentation to reconcile the past and move forward.