This thesis examines Maori internal migration for the period 1976-1986. The main aims of this study, are firstly to provide an analysis of Maori migration during a period when there has been little written on the spatial mobility of this population and secondly to find out whether the patterns and processes of Maori internal migration that existed until the early 1970's are still prevalent today. The 1981 and 1986 New Zealand Censuses of Population and Dwellings were used as the source of data, and the analysis is presented in two parts: spatial characteristics of Maori internal migration over the decade, and demographic characteristics of Maori migrants between 1981 and 1986. The spatial analysis examines migration patterns between Local Government Regions and within the urban hierarchy, with a more detailed examination made of a southward movement of the Maori population, rural-urban migration, and patterns of movement between the main urban areas. The findings show the southward movement of the Maori population is still taking place, though not to such an extent as in the past. A noticeable flow of migrants from urban to rural areas is now taking place, with volumes almost equalling the flows from rural to urban areas, which dominated past migration patterns. There is also now a significant movement of Maori within the urban system, and particularly between the main urban areas. This is not surprising considering that 80 percent of the Maori population now resides in urban areas. Five differentials are examined to determine the characteristics of both the total migrant population and the sub-groups of four regions: age, sex,education, occupation (including unemployment rates) and marital status.