Maori Conversion to Christianity

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The early contact period of New Zealand right up to 1840 saw the conversion of many native Maori to Christianity and there were a number of various reasons which attracted them to do so. Some did it for the trade, others for the powers of the Pakeha god, however whatever the reason, whether for economical, spiritual, or physical gain, Maori were driven to do so through the fundamental element of their pursuit of Mana. The conversion to Christianity went on to influence Maori culture and society in a big way. The teachings imparted onto them by the Missionaries changed Native Maori economy, spirituality, and society forever. The context of this early contact period is one where venturing Europeans meet curious Polynesians. Throughout the 16th and 18th centuries, Europe was going through a huge phase in global exploration, and it was the Dutchman Abel Tasman’s voyage to find the ‘unknown Southern Continent’ which first brought Europe in contact with New Zealand. This first counter however, was unpleasant and although the voyage down was not repeated until over a century later by Captain Cook, the accounts of these two voyages gained the Native Maori the title of ‘noble savages’. After Cook’s Voyage in the mid 18th century, European contact with New Zealand increased dramatically with the great natural resources in flora and fauna, New Zealand attracted many prospective sealers, whalers and traders. Kororareka, the only port of the time was dubbed the “hell hole of the Pacific” as it became notorious for drunkenness and debauchery as the demand for food supplies and sex resulted in the establishment of a very messy port. This concerned the humanitarians back in England and they soon set out on their missions to save the “noble savages” from these bad European influences by civilising and converting them. With European contact came trade between Maori and
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