New Zealand Maori Culture

Maori have inhabited the land now known as New Zealand for several centuries. They first arrived from Pacific islands in canoes about 1000 years ago, bringing with them their Polynesian culture. This culture was adapted over the years to their new surroundings.

The Maori people belong to individual iwi’s, or tribes, and many still live in Marae based communities. Permission must be given by the elders to visit a Marae, and if given, a special ceremony takes place to welcome visitors. The Maori language is not spoken widely throughout the Maori population, although in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in learning Te Reo.

The Maori language is an official language of New Zealand. Maori culture features wood, bone and stone carving, as well as weaving of flax, reeds and feathers. Beautiful carvings can be seen on the many Maori meeting houses dotted around the country. Song and dance also feature strongly in Maori culture, such as the haka, a war dance performed by men, and the poi dance of women. It is possible to experience Maori song and dance at several cultural centres throughout New Zealand. Te Papa, the National Museum of New Zealand in Wellington and the Auckland museum, both have excellent sections devoted to Maori culture.