Overview

The relatives of the Maori were a Polynesian people originating from south-east Asia. Some historians believe that the early Polynesian settlers of New Zealand migrated from today's China; making the long voyage travelling via Taiwan, through the South Pacific and on to Aotearoa (New Zealand). This epic voyage happened between AD 1280 to 1300.

Today the Maori have adjusted well to western culture and the population has increased largely. Since 1980 the Waitangi Tribunal, a government body established to settle legal claims based on the 1840 Treaty of Waitangi, have engaged in recompensing Maori for land that was illegally confiscated.

In modern times, the Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. They constitute about 15 % of New Zealand’s population and no less than 95% of Maoris live in the North Island.

One of the most exciting aspects of contemporary Maori culture is art.  New, highly talented Maori artists continue to join the ranks of the established names in the world of Maori art, and together they are forging an international reputation due the exceptional quality of their work. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, kapa haka (which is a traditional dance form of the Maori) , whaikorero (oratory) and moko (tattoo) are practised throughout the country. The Maori Language itself is one of the official languages of New Zealand.

Few  words you may like to know when you meet the Maori:

• Kia ora – Hello
• Kia ora tatou - Hello everyone
• Tena koe - Greetings to you (said to one person)
• Tena koutou - Greeting to you all
• Haere mai – Welcome
• Kei te pehea koe? - How's it going?
• Kei te pai – Good
• Hei konei ra - See you later