Mana or prestige held for a person or object and tapu or sacred ban are social controls in Maori society. Maori adopt aspects of the technology agricultural methods, ideas and religion brought by settlers and missionaries. The first European women arrived in 1806 Traders, missionaries and other settler families arriving in New Zealand face a harsh environment. The settlers are separated from any extended family support. Many work long hours doing manual work.
People marry young and childbearing is frequent.
Both Maori and European women bear on average six or more children. The pioneer lifestyle exposes settlers to accidental deaths from drowning, falling trees and burns and scalds. Many women die in pregnancy or labour. Settlers interact with and depend upon local Maori for food and protection. By 1839 there are approximately 2000 settlers in New Zealand.