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Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand on December 16, 1642. Maori came from the shore in two canoes to meet the ship. The language barrier made communication impossible. Tasman sent out a boat to invite the Maori aboard. More canoes came and one rammed the boat, killing sailors. Tasman fired on the Maori, causing them to flee to shore. He sailed to the tip of North Island before leaving New Zealand waters.

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10y ago

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