Māoritanga
Māori Culture and Language
What is Māoritanga?
Māoritanga refers to everything to do with Māori culture from practices and beliefs to the Māori way of life. You could think of it as "Māoriness."
Some Important aspects of Māori culture include:
Marae
A marae is a traditional meeting ground or communal space that serves as the focal point for social, cultural, and spiritual activities. The term marae is often used to refer to the entire complex, which typically includes a central open area (the marae ātea), a meeting house (wharenui), a cooking and eating area (wharekai), and other structures.
The marae is considered a sacred and spiritually significant place. It plays a crucial role in Māori customs, ceremonies, and social gatherings. Marae serve as spaces for hosting important events such as powhiri (welcoming ceremonies), tangi (funerals), weddings, and various cultural performances. The wharenui (meeting house) is adorned with intricate carvings and decorations that often tell ancestral stories and convey the cultural identity of the tribe or iwi associated with the marae.
Each marae is affiliated with a specific Māori community or iwi (tribe), and it serves as a symbol of cultural continuity and connection to ancestral roots. The protocols and customs observed on a marae are guided by tikanga (cultural practices and behaviours) and provide a framework for respectful interaction and engagement within the Māori community.
Matariki
The rise of Matariki (the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster) marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. The exact timing of Matariki's appearance can vary (usually late June or early July), and different Māori communities may have specific regional variations in their observances.
The Māori New Year is a time for reflection, celebration, and the coming together of communities. Matariki has cultural and spiritual significance for the Māori people, and the appearance of the stars is often associated with new beginnings and the harvesting of crops.
It officially became a public holiday in New Zealand (the first public holiday to recognise Te Ao Māori - The Māori world) only recently with the first Matariki holiday on Friday, 24 June 2022.
Mana: Power, prestige or authority
Tapu: Sacred, under spiritual or religious protection. Untouchable
Whanau: The family including extended family.
Other aspects of Māori culture:
How to make a Hangi (a traditional Māori meal)
Did you know that there is a TV channel in New Zealand which is broadcast in Māori? It is called Māori Television which is funded by the government and has been on air since 2004.
You can watch shows and movies, stream live channels and special events brought to you by Māori Television here: MĀORI+
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