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. 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.