New Zealand's Māori culture is an integral part of Kiwi life and adds a unique, dynamic experience for visitors.
Māori are the tangata whenua, the indigenous people, of New Zealand. They came here more than 1000 years ago from their mythical Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. Today Māori make up 14% of our population and their history, language and traditions are central to New Zealand’s identity.
You’re bound to hear Te Reo Māori, the Māori language, during your travels in New Zealand. There would be few New Zealanders who do not recognise common Māori terms and phrases. You’ll probably pick a few up yourself. Start with ‘kia ora’ – hello!
Māori cultural performances, which include traditional singing, dancing and haka (ancient war dances) are a wonderful way to experience our culture first hand. In Rotorua, and indeed throughout the country, organised tours provide a traditional Māori welcome onto a marae (meeting area), where you can enjoy a cultural show followed by a hāngi feast cooked in earth ovens.
Māori visual arts like carving, weaving and tattooing are also alive and well in New Zealand. Precious adornments and traditional weapons can be found in museums and at cultural centres on both islands. They provide a fascinating gateway to New Zealand’s history, and if you catch a carving or weaving demonstration, you’ll see that many of the techniques used remain unchanged to this day. Compare this with contemporary examples of Māori art, fashion, film and television, and you’ll find that Māori creative expression is ever growing and developing.
