The Size and Location of the Maori Population 1857-96: A Statistical Study

Abstract

That the Maori population of New Zealand declined in numbers during the second half of the nineteenth century is certain, but the extent end nature of that decline are not so well-established. The distribution of the Maori population changed during this period, but again detailed information on the subject is lacking. The purpose of this thesis is firstly to determine how much the population did decrease, whether in some years and some districts the decrease was greater than in others or whether the decrease was steady in all districts, and secondly to ascertain the changes in distribution. The results of a series of regular, accurate and detailed censuses would be necessary to achieve this purpose completely. Such information is not available. Nevertheless from a careful examination of the material which is available some estimates of the size and location of the population at various dates can be formed and by comparing these estimates some conclusions reached as to the extent and nature of the decline and redistribution of population. Such information could be useful as basic material to anyone studying the reasons for the decline and their relative importance, and further the maps showing population distribution for the two dates 1857 and 1896 illustrate some aspects of the physical environment of the Maori people, and the changes which took place in it.