Māori Technology

Whāinga ako: Lesson Goals

We are learning to understand migration and its impact on peoples and societies, and how Māori adapted and innovated their technology in response to their new environment.

Māori Innovation

Māori innovation spans across all areas of life and has often been adapted for use by other ethnic groups. This innovation emerges from various needs and places, driven by the practical nature of the Māori people, who have had to survive since their arrival in Aotearoa. Their deep understanding of the natural world and cultural knowledge significantly influences their innovative practices. Consequently, Māori innovation benefits not only the Māori community but also extends to all people over time. 

Māori came to Aoteroa and found a land rich in resources that were very different to Polynesia. This meant many of the skills and techniques needed were very different and as such Māori needed to adapt their technologies. They brought a range of cord-making, knotting, netting and weaving skills with them. They also brought familiar plants they hoped to grow, including aute (paper mulberry), commonly used to make bark-cloth garments in the tropics.

However, aute did not grow well in New Zealand, and bark cloth was unsuitable for the different climate. They had to try different bark and flax to replace the ones they knew but also adapted by using bird skins and feathers to create warmer clothing for our cooler weather.