Early Māori Agriculture in New Zealand: Sweet Potato Starch Found at Triangle Flat

 

Microscopic granules of sweet potato starch (kūmara), alongside Asia-Pacific taro and Pacific yam (uwhi), have been discovered at Triangle Flat, located on the northern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, according to an RNZ report. Researchers from the University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka have determined that the Māori were cultivating these crops as early as A.D. 1290 to 1385.

Archaeologist Ian Barber emphasized the advanced agricultural skills of the early Māori, explaining that the first settlers came to New Zealand not only to hunt but also to garden. Barber pointed out that while early settlers were once thought to be primarily hunter-gatherers, relying on the hunting of moa and seals, the discovery of these crops shows that they were also sophisticated gardeners from the outset.

The cool climate in the region prompted the early farmers to experiment with various crops, and kūmara proved to be the most successful. Barber concluded, "They cut their teeth on all the crops, but kūmara is the one that outperforms and becomes the big deal."