Story: Population change

Māori children playing, 1964

Māori children playing, 1964

Māori fertility rates were high in the 19th century and remained high well into the second half of the 20th century – unlike Pākehā rates, which fell in the late 19th century. These children are racing around the family home, the youngest bringing up the rear, in Ruatōria in 1964. The photograph is part of the well-known 'Washday at the pa' series by Ans Westra.

Using this item

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Reference: O.030825
Photograph by Ans Westra

Permission of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Ian Pool and Natalie Jackson, 'Population change - Māori population change', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/28743/maori-children-playing-1964 (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Ian Pool and Natalie Jackson, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 23 Aug 2018 with assistance from Natalie Jackson