I am wanting to discuss the Moriori origins. I have first hand experience of traveling in "Rekohu" The Chatham Islands and have some oral histories from the people there. Their folklore tells of 2000 years of non-violence. And as I see here about languages I noticed something about a 2000 year distinction time or something (Please do further correctly inform me)...???

Also from my knowledge of Moari Legend. It would seem that the Moari chased and killed the Moriori out of the 'mainland' New Zealand. So this would hint to me that they were living in New Zealand before the coming of the canoes from 'Hawaiki' (the mystical land that the Maori trace their ancestry back to).

Considering the distinct different of the way the Moriori society lived compared to the other Polynesian group of cultures. i.e. Moriori were nomadic they did not build any full time lived in houses... Their unusual berial traditions, and the fact that they prided themselves on not killing one other for over 2000 years, only fighting to first blood on matters of honour...

I would ask if it is possible that even though their language is related to Maori is it possible that they have a different origin? :)

Looking forward to some discussion on this... :)

Francis