I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong but I understand that pakeha means stranger or strange person. What would be stranger to a maori on the beach getting some pipis for lunch and seeing Captain Cook sailing around the corner in a strange looking sailing ship, wearing the clothing of the day and looking at the beach through a hollow stick.
I'll bet the Australian aboriginals felt the same way. One was heard to say "lOOK AT THAT, what a strange way to play the didgereedoo"