I don't dare take side between ENT and Ant, both obviously have researched extensively...

I just think sometimes we read an article by an historian - and cling to that as the gospel truth. We believe what we want to believe, in other words...

However, the main body of evidence suggests Moriori (and/or) other people were in NZ well before the Maori.

Proof of Pre Maori




MAORI RADIO CARBON DATING
Radio Carbon dating of early skeleton remains found in New Zealand proves there were people living in New Zealand long before the Maori. While these pre-Maori people have disappeared, there is evidence throughout New Zealand of their existence in their skeleton remains, dwellings, vegetables, plants, trees, animals and birds.
Further information can be found on Ancient Celtic New Zealand
DWELLINGS
There are many remains of stone buildings, dwellings, structures and archaeology sites located throughout New Zealand that shows there were people living in New Zealand long before the Maori. While many of these have been destroyed over the years and the Government has restricted areas where these stone structures and dwellings are located, Martin Doutré has researched and documented many of these, which can be found on Ancient Celtic New Zealand.


Source Proof of Pre Maori | One New Zealand Foundation Inc.