Travel to New Zealand this summer and rub noses with the indigenous Maori people

A tribe that came into existence more than 1,000 years ago is still thriving.

A LESSON FROM HISTORY
Region: New Zealand

The Maori people are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (North Island New Zealand) and first arrived in the country via waka hourua (voyaging canoes) from their ancestral homeland of Hawaiki over 1,000 years ago. Today, Maori make up over 14 per cent of the population. Their language and culture has a major impact on all facets of New Zealand life. Their culture is a rich and varied one, and includes traditional and contemporary arts. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, kapa haka (group performance), whaikorero (oratory) and moko (tattoo) are practised through out the country.



Maori Tribes in New Zealand rub their noses as a friendly gesture to welcome guests and friends

Practitioners following in the footsteps of their ancestors replicate the techniques used hundreds of years ago, yet also develop exciting new techniques and forms. Today Maori culture also includes art, film, television, poetry, theatre, and hip-hop.

Traditional carvers also help to keep Maori culture alive by creating intricate works that pay respect to the past. Every piece carved tells a story.