Story: Māori Studies – ngā tari Māori

S. Percy Smith and survey party, 1886

S. Percy Smith and survey party, 1886

Stephenson Percy Smith is seen seated, second from left, with his surveying party in their camp at the foot of Mt Tarawera in 1886. He had then spent 30 years as a surveyor, often in isolated districts in close contact with Māori. In this time he learned the Māori language and collected information on traditional Māori history and culture. In 1892 he and another former surveyor, Edward Tregear, founded the Polynesian Society. Smith later wrote a number of books on Māori history and traditions.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Crompton-Smith Collection (PAColl-4073)
Reference: 1/2-061056-F

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Ranginui Walker, 'Māori Studies – ngā tari Māori - Pioneers of Māori studies', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/41793/s-percy-smith-and-survey-party-1886 (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Ranginui Walker, published 22 Oct 2014