Before Europeans arrived, Maori lived in tribal groups near the sea, relying on fishing, shellfish, and crops. When Europeans came, they brought guns, money, foods, and diseases, which drastically changed Maori life. Maori warfare became deadlier with guns and they shifted to a money economy. While Europeans introduced education and medicine, they also brought epidemics that killed many Maori. To organize land sales and British control, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, establishing British law but protecting Maori authority and culture.