Maori Culture

"Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity." – Robert Alan

To me culture is a way of living, built upon the experiences of the generations before you. Those experiences are manifest in the values, beliefs, language, customs, practices and art of a group of people who identify as part of it.

History

The history of the people who are part of the community or society evolved their culture over a prolonged period. In Maori culture its history is recorded verbally, having been passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic evidence stretching back 5000 years indicates Maori have a connection to the indigenous people of Taiwan. Then they migrated to the islands of Polynesia and finally settled into previously unoccupied Aotearoa, New Zealand. For approximately 400 years Maori were alone in Aotearoa, until the arrival of the Europeans after the voyages of Abel Tasman and Captain Cook.

Migration Evolving Culture

Pre-European settlement the seafaring ancestors of the Maori carried with them the cultural practices of each migration across the vast oceans. Having settled in the new lands the culture would naturally evolve, influenced by the topography of the land and any occupiers of it. In Polynesia, the influence of the Pacific Isles would have significant impact upon the early culture and thinking of the people who explored far south of the Pacific Islands. Culture would continue to evolve in Aotearoa in the hundreds of years before European settlement. European settlers and their families would continue to influence cultural changes.

Culture Today

The Maori language had been under threat through early government policies pushing assimilation and banning the use of te reo Maori in schools. Today those policies have been abandoned, Maori language, known as te reo Maori, is now an official language of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The revival of the language, although spoken conversationally by only 20% of Maori has also seen a resurgence in other public displays of Maori Culture. Te Matatini is an event held every two years. It is the countries largest Maori cultural festival, displaying skills in kapa haka, a mix of song and actions which includes the haka. The haka is performed around the world by various sporting and entertainment groups, including our most well-known rugby team, the All Blacks. Top teams from New Zealand and Australia compete for the honour of being the best kapa haka team at the festival.

The art of carving is a skill that is still alive today. Maori wood, bone and stone carvings display the uniqueness, skill, beauty and history of the culture. Meeting houses have especially elaborated wooden carvings to enhance spiritual elements and honour forebears who are connected to the area. 

Thoughts.

Like most indigenous people in all countries, Maori have been disadvantaged in many areas of society. Despite disadvantages and some political intrigue, the culture has been kept alive by Maori, European and other ethnicities who understand the value of diversity and who are passionate about adding real value to the nation through culture.