Settler Colonialism and Tribal Society: Maori-Pakeha Relations in the 19th Century

Abstract

This thesis is a study of the impact of European colonisation of Maori society in the 19th century based on secondary data both historical and anthropological sources. It calls into some of the assumptions implicit in the work of historians and anthropologists on Maori society in the 19th century. A reconceptualisation of tribal society' and its implications for Maori society is attempted. In particular, it argues for the retention of the term 'tribe' in the analysis of Maori-Pakeha relations in the 19th century so long as its usage is defined according to specific political circumstances. Further, the concept tribe should be seen as 'processual' and this is especially pertinent in the face of settler colonisation. Settle colonialism in New Zealand is a form of imperialism that is essentially endogenous. As such, in looking at its impact on Maori society, attention must be focused on the role of missionaries, colonial officials and settlers in New Zealand. Maori-Pakeha relations do not occur in a vacuum. Hence it is relevant to examine this within an evolving institutional structure called the parliamentary state, a unique product of Victorian imperialism in the middle of the 19th century. In the process of settler colonisation the question of class formation in Maori society is addressed. The evidence in this thesis will show that Maoris exercised considerable autonomy in their relations with Europeans at least up to the New Zealand Wars. However, the Wars failed to subjugate the indigenous population. What the Wars failed to do, the State through the instrument of law succeeded in doing. Eventually, the settler state was to incorporate colonists, immigrant labour and Maoris as its subjects.