What year did the hangi first originate?

The hangi, a traditional Māori cooking method, is believed to have originated in New Zealand around the time of the arrival of the Māori people, which is estimated to be around the 13th century. This cooking technique involves digging a pit in the ground, heating stones in a fire, and then placing food wrapped in leaves or cloth on top of the stones to cook. The method has been an integral part of Māori culture and communal gatherings ever since.