I don't have the resources to answer directly, but this previous related answer by u/badoosh123 might help: https://www.reddit.com/r/AskHistorians/comments/567ovy/what_do_we_know_about_the_polynesian_ancestors/

It doesn't mention the Maori specifically, but Aotearoa/New Zealand makes up the bottom left corner of the Polynesian triangle. The post discusses trade/exploration among Polynesian islands. There's more in the FAQ, but this is probably the closest one to addressing your question directly; hopefully someone can add a more direct answer!

Edited to add original post author name.