The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. Their history, culture, and influence are significant in understanding the nation's past and present:
The ancestors of the Maori are believed to have migrated from eastern Polynesia in several waves between approximately 1250 and 1300 AD. They arrived in New Zealand aboard waka (canoes), bringing with them their culture, traditions, and knowledge of agriculture, fishing, and navigation.
Maori society was traditionally based on kinship and tribal affiliations. The social structure included:
They had a rich oral tradition, with Moko (tattoos) and Ta Moko (traditional tattooing) being significant cultural practices. Their art included intricate carvings, weaving, and the construction of Whare (meeting houses).
The Maori language, Te Reo Maori, is an integral part of their identity. Efforts have been made to revitalize the language, which had been in decline due to historical policies of assimilation:
The arrival of Europeans, particularly the British, led to significant changes:
Today, the Maori population is growing, and there is a resurgence of cultural pride:
Since the 1970s, there has been a push for recognition of Maori rights: