Upon first glance, this book may seem like an odd fit—Polynesia and the Middle Ages. Because the Middle Ages are a European phenomenon surely? While this is true, much is lost by limiting our perspective to one continent. Europe is not the natural centre of the world it has been constructed as, not least by historians.

This book therefore attempts to present the views and understandings of the South Polynesians between 900 and 1600 CE. One of the tribes I descend from is one of the first groups to inhabit the northern South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand: Ko Ngāti Kuia, he iwi Pakohe, he iwi karakia e (Ngāti Kuia, the tribe of Pakohe [argillite], the tribe of prayer). I also descend from Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Rangitāne o Wairau, and Ngāti Koata, in the northern South Island. It is from my position as an Indigenous woman working in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand that this work emerges.

What follows is intended to provide a short, useful overview of the history of South Polynesia for both the general reader and scholar. It is not intended to be a scientific exercise, which will become clear as the reader progresses through the chapters. Through this work, I aim to give an innovative and unique perspective on South Polynesian history. I hope it encourages the reader to think about regions outside Europe during this period. I also implore the reader to re-evaluate any preconceptions they may have about Polynesia. As one would expect, although the themes and perspec tives are different to those of the European Middle Ages, they are no less valid.

Lastly, it must be noted that this is a new and (it is to be hoped) burgeoning field of research. Material artefacts and literary records are thus far limited, and we can perhaps expect new discoveries that upend the timeline for South Polynesian voyaging and settlement. Similarly, given the brevity of this volume, I cannot cover everything, and the bibliography points the reader towards further research into each theme covered.