Why did whalers and sealers begin visiting New Zealand?

Whalers and sealers began visiting New Zealand primarily in search of profit. Beyond those escaping from Australia or sailors seeking asylum, early European arrivals were driven by the commercial potential of natural resources, specifically sealskins, timber, New Zealand flax, and whaling.12

Australian firms established small, land-based bay whaling settlements, while locations like Kororareka (modern-day Russell) became vital stopping points for deep-sea whaling vessels from Britain, America, and France. These traders engaged in economic activity with the Māori, exchanging goods such as muskets, rum, and implements for provisions. This commercial interest served as a primary catalyst for early European contact and the subsequent integration of New Zealand into the broader global economy.12