Missionary Influence and the Maori Reaction

The Missionaries helped to open up New Zealand. Their presence tended to make it easier for other Europeans to interact with Maori. In general we are of course referring to the CMS under Samuel Marsden's direction. It is his drive and determination that see the first Mission opened at Rangihoua and further stations opened at Kerikeri and Paihia. His first choice of Kendall as leader is an initial weakness, although he could not have forseen the death of Ruatara and the subsequent patronage of Hongi Hika. Sending Henry Williams to replace Kendall is inspired and perhaps a reflection that Marsden recognised his earlier mistake.The Missionaries learn and translate Maori into a written language. They introduce literacy to a large number of the Maori. Literacy allows the teaching of religion.

Hika's belief that Christianity was 'a religion worthy only of slaves', meant that many slaves were educated and when the opportunity was offered converted. It was this that allowed many freed slaves to return to their Iwi as missionaries in their own right. Many returned to area's that European Missionaries would not arrive in until years later. Not only do the CMS introduce education and religion they helped to expand agriculture. The first plough was used by the CMS.CMS activities under Kendall are insipid and achieve little except to confirm the weakness of their religion to Hika. Under Williams it is revitalised and becomes more dynamic.

Building the 'Herald' increases their reach and takes them out from beneath Hikas control, although it seems that Hikas power and influence was on the wane by the latter part of the 1820's.(New 2008) The sudden increase in conversions from 1829 can be seen as a reaction to war weariness, 20,000 dead and perhaps another 30,000 displaced/replaced was a massive blow to Maori self belief as was the persistent losses to disease.

Maori synthesis of their old Atua and newer Christian versions also eased the move to Christianity. Hika's death in 1828 certainly removed a major obstacle and made the transition easier. The CMS will try to take credit for the end of the Musket wars although most Historians will discount this claim. It is of course the trip that Kendall takes with Waikato and Hika that will jump start the Musket wars in 1821. Their ability to stop warring Maori from fighting is rarely tested, despite several images that suggest otherwise.

When Maori do take up Christianity it is not always as intended. While the CMS are Christian it is often the Old Testament that attracts them. Christianity was all about Christ the God of forgiveness etc., while the Old Testament God was Jehovah the God of retribution and revenge. When synthesised with their old Atua this God made more sense. We will look at this in more detail when we cover the various Prophets that emerged.The Missionaries reports of the activities at Kororareka will lead to the expansion of the British Government into New Zealand with the arrival of Busby. We will also discover the influence they will have over the Treaty negotiations at Waitangi.