Understand Migration Theories

migration - move from one place to another

theory - a formal idea or set of ideas that is intended to explain something

For social studies, we are researching about where Polynesians migrated from. We looked into documentary's, websites and history. Here is what we found out. 

1. Hawaiiki

Some Maori believe that they came from a place called Hawaiiki, which was their ancient Polynesian homeland. This theory suggests that people left their island of Hawaiiki because of rivalry between the two tribes. Whetenia and Rauru. 

2. South America

A theorist named Thor Heyerdrahl believes Maori originally came from South America. He noticed the wind and ocean currents from the East may have pushed travellers to the Pacific. To test his theory, he sailed on raft called "Kon-Tiki" from South America to the Tuamotu Island. 

3. Asia

Some theorists believe that Maori came from Asia. A lot of the language is similar throughout the Pacific. Most common foods like taro, yams and bananas come from Asia. 

The theory that I believe is right could be Polynesian people may have migrated from South America to Asia, then our islands coming to New Zealand. I think this because there's a lot of clues and Polynesian theories in each of these mentioned countries.