What Did Aotearoa Look Like Before the Maori?

Before the arrival of the Maori, Aotearoa (New Zealand) was a land of forests, diverse birds, and steep mountains. It was a true bird paradise that rivaled any known ecosystem, teeming with life in the wake of its tapestry of lush trees and abundant waterways. Today, this pristine world is merely a memory through books, historical records, and the efforts of wildlife conservationists.

The forests covered the majority of New Zealand, providing a habitat for countless species of birdsong that sang a constant symphony of life. Imagine stepping into the forest and being overwhelmed by the sound of morning chirps and whistles from all directions, a symphony so loud it might deafen a human ear. This was the world experienced by the first visitors to New Zealand, if we were to visit it as our first stop, it would seem like a utopia teeming with life, from fish in the harbors to birds in the boughs of the forest and around the lakes. For example, Owhiro Harbour, Tauranga Harbour, and Lake Ellesmere would have been beyond magnificent, with signs of fish and the morning chorus of birds creating a vivid picture of what life was once like.

Uninhabited and Full of Life

Nature thrived without human influence, and there were very few mammals, only bats, in these lands. The largest flightless birds in the world roamed the forests, and one of the largest eagles in the world, the Haast Eagle, soared over them. The environment was so rich and untouched that it almost defied description. The Moa, a creature over 3.6 meters tall, was so abundant that it nearly topped the food chain, challenging the notions of what a primary or secondary predator would look like in such a setting. The weather was gentle, and wildlife thrived in harmony. Dinosaurs had long passed, and this was a true bird paradise.

Conquest and Decline

The Maori arrived between the 8th and 11th centuries, bringing with them a new era of human intervention. They found people they called 'Maoriori' already living there. However, these people were no match for the Maori in war, and very little is known about them. The last 'Maoriori' reportedly died on the Chatham Islands in 1945.

The Maori's arrival and subsequent years marked a dramatic shift for the native wildlife. They burned down more than half of the forests and decimated much of the bird population, leading to the extinction of many species. The Moa, once a common site, became increasingly rare, while the Haast Eagle faced a decline in prey. The destructive impact of the Maori on the native fauna is evident in the historical records and witnessed by the European visitors who later documented the decline.

The Legacy of Extinction

Unfortunately, the decimation of the native species has left a glaring legacy. Modern efforts are underway to try and bring back the native ecosystems and wildlife, but the damage is done. While some species are thriving in conservation areas, the dawn chorus that once deafened the forests is now a rare and precious sound, heard only in the most remote and protected areas.

But this is not just a story of loss. It is also a testament to the resilience of nature. Today, New Zealand continues to work towards restoring its native habitats, and the Moa, Haast Eagle, and other species are still celebrated in literature and conservation efforts. This prologue from the novel Glacier Man serves as a poignant reminder of what Aotearoa was and what its future might look like if we continue to take steps towards sustainability and conservation.

Imagine a world where the forest is alive with the sounds of countless birdsong, where giant flightless creatures roam freely, and where the air is filled with the songs of nature. Aotearoa was once such a world, and though much of it is lost, it is not beyond our reach to restore it in parts. Preservation and conservation can help us preserve these wonders for future generations.