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Abel Tasman - What was the impact?

Short term impacts

  • There was conflict between the Dutch and Māori people of Aotearoa. This is believed to have been the result of a cultural misunderstanding. Four of Tasman’s seamen died in Aotearoa and Māori men may have also been injured or killed.
  • Tasman drew charts of new coastline he explored on his voyages. This included parts of Lutruwita, Aotearoa, the islands of Tonga and Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and the northern coastline of Australia. 
  • The Tasman Bonaparte Map was drawn after the voyage. This greatly improved European understanding of Australia’s geography. 

Longer term impacts

  • The better understanding of the geography of Australia helped further European exploration of the country.
  • The Dutch did not continue further exploration of Australia because they thought it was inhospitable and didn’t have valuable economic resources.
  • The VOC began to have financial difficulties in the 18th century and didn’t have the wealth to continue exploration of Australia.