Maori Culture

Pacific Island music is an important part of the New Zealand music scene and a growing number of PI artists are making their names known.

Once a port town for whalers and traders Russell has come a long way since the 1800s when it was described as the hell-hole of the South Pacific.

A giant moa (extinct flightless bird) stalking regally is among the subjects of some of New Zealand’s most significant prehistoric rock art in the lush hill country of inland South Canterbury.

Traditional Maori tattoo is known as Ta Moko and is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. It's been helped along by people like pop singer Robbie Williams having a Maori tattoo while in New Zealand.

Hinewehi Mohi is the voice of modern Maori music in New Zealand. She passionately promotes Maori language and culture in her music, a unique brand of contemporary pop.

New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840. Waitangi is a place of historic significance.

Overview of traditional Maori art forms; Maori Arts Network; background info on Maori art.

Rising opera star Deborah Wai Kapohe is rapidly making a name for herself as the ultimate successor to New Zealand’s greatest ever soprano, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.

Background information on places to visit to experience Maori culture and info on marae culture.

Numbers of people who speak Maori and government initiatives to increase the numbers of people speaking the language. Particular Maori terms used in social and cultural settings. Backgrounder.