In 1642 the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman becomes the first European to discover New Zealand. In I 769 James Cook makes his first visit to New Zealand. Between 1800 - 1820 small whaling and trading settlements are established around the coastline. In 1814 the first missionary settlement led by Samuel Marsden is established in the Bay of Islands. During the 1820s - 1830s whaling reaches its peak.
Some whalers also run farms and carry out trade in flax, potatoes, timber and fish.
The whalers and settlers purchase land from Maori. Under the Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 the Crown recognises Maori as owner of all land except that which has been validly purchased. The Crown finds many claims of purchase to be invalid. Before Polynesians arrive in New Zealand the land is covered in forest, grasses, alpine plants and swamplands. Widespread deforestation occurs, especially in the South Island, as Maori burn trees and tussock to round up moa and drive them toward hunters.