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Story: Traditional Māori warfare – Riri

Distribution of pā in New Zealand

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Distribution of pā in New Zealand

This map shows where Māori were found throughout New Zealand. They were located in the best areas to grow Polynesian crops such as kūmara and taro. Fortified were built to protect the inhabitants in times of war.

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Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

Source: Malcolm McKinnon, ed., Bateman New Zealand historical atlas: ko papatuanuku e takoto nei. Auckland: David Bateman, 1997, plate 11

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How to cite this page

Basil Keane, Traditional Māori warfare – Riri – Making war and making peace, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/map/37080/distribution-of-pa-in-new-zealand (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Basil Keane, published 14 June 2012.