The Maori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). We first arrived here in waka hourua (voyaging canoes) from our ancestral homeland of Hawaiki, over 1000 years ago.

Maori people  make up about 15 percent of the New Zealand population and many of us are actively involved in keeping our culture and language alive. Our language and culture has a huge impact on all facets of New Zealand life. 

Traditional arts such as Whakairo (carving), Raranga (weaving), Kapa Haka (performing arts), Whaikorero (oratory) and Ta Moko (tattooing) are still practised throughout the country. In our arts and crafts, we are true to our ancestor's ancient techniques but we also develop many new methods and art forms. Contemporary Maori culture includes art, film, poetry, theatre and hip-hop.

Visitors to New Zealand will become immediately aware of the Maori language as the majority of place names are of Maori origin. At first, they seem very hard to pronounce but just give it a go and you'll be surprised how easy it really is.

A few words to try:

Kia ora - hello
Ka pai - very good, well done
Wahi tapu - a sacred place
Aroha - love, caring for others
Kai - food, to eat
Hangi - food cooked in an earth oven
Tikanga Maori - the Maori way of doing things
Haere ra - farewell