Maori Culture

Many New Zealand writers fuse Mâori culture and legend into works written in English.

The legend of Te Houtaewa is relived every year by Northern Mâori Tribes.

Matahiwi Marae is one of the oldest established marae of Ngati Hawea in Hawke’s Bay. It was set up originally as a neutral meeting area for the prominent chiefs around the area.

Ngatokimatawhaorua is believed to be the largest war canoe (waka) ever built and can carry 80 paddlers and 55 passengers.

The haka performed by the New Zealand rugby team, the mighty All Blacks, is renowned worldwide. However it is not the only haka - there are various forms of haka and many iwi have their own individual haka.

The sea, the vessel, the voyage, the arrival. New Zealand was born on the waves, from two long migrations.

Captain James Cook arrived on the Endeavour off the East Coast of New Zealand in October 1769, where Nicholas Young was the first on board to sight the coastal hills. Local folklore tells that the Mâori of the time perceived the 'Endeavour' as an enormous bird with wings of great size and beauty.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in Christchurch offers Ko Tâne (Maori god of the forest), a cultural performance set within the natural environment of Willowbank.

The talent of Maori is evident in many fields of creative endeavour, both in New Zealand and overseas.

Māori legend says food came as a gift from the gods, Ranginui the Sky Father and Papatuanuku the Earth Mother.