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. 1400 of these are in the North Island and 600 in the South Island. Almost all live in small settlements on the coast or along the rivers.
People travel by canoe, boat and foot.
The first horses and bullocks brought by Europeans provide transport for the wealthy Before Europeans arrive Maori are free of the acute infectious diseases common in European populations at the time. Instead back injury from strenuous physical activity and tooth and gum disease from eating foods like fern root are common ailments. Government Policy Maori society is organised tribally - there is no sense of national identity. The tohunga or spiritual leader and rangatira or chief hold spiritual and tribal authority. After British citizens begin living in New Zealand there is a call for the conduct of British residents toward Maori to be regulated.