This article begins to explore the origins of four
A traditional Māori greeting, the hongi, meaning sharing of breath, is performed by two people pressing their noses together. The greeting is used at traditional meetings and ceremonies such as a pōwhiri. It is customary for visitors to shake hands and hongi with their hosts after the speeches of welcome.
Māori 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 throughout the country.
Some of the important elements of the Māori culture include taonga (treasures), storytelling, and traditional values. Taonga are often objects that have spiritual significance to the Māori people, such as hei tiki (the national symbol of New Zealand), waka (canoes), and Tangata Whenua (human beings).
These values – such as aroha, whakapapa, whanaungatanga, kōrero awhi, mana manaaki and tikanga – continue to make whānau strong today. They have the potential to enhance whānau wellbeing, to transform behaviours and provide alternatives to violence.
Maori proverb: What is the most important thing in the world? It is people it is people it is people!
The four traditions are the Spatial or Locational Tradition, the Area Studies or Regional Tradition, the Man-Land Tradition, and the Earth Science Tradition. Each of these traditions is interrelated, and they are often used in conjunction with one another, rather than alone.
Known as the indigenous Polynesian population of New Zealand, the Māori people's long history originated when they arrived in the early- to mid-1300s. Hundreds of years later, the Māori culture, rich with arts and tradition, is still a big part of New Zealand's identity.
Traditionally Māori believed that when they died they would go to rarohenga (the underworld). In northern traditions, this involved travelling te ara wairua (the pathway of spirits) to te rerenga wairua (the leaping place of spirits). Wairua would then descend to the sea.
In addition to rakau rongoā (native flora and herbal preparations), rongoā Māori includes a range of different healing methods, such as mirimiri and romiromi (bodywork), whitiwhiti kōrero (support/advice) and karakia (prayer).
Respect is shown for the tipuna (ancestor) by removing shoes.
Māori women traditionally gave birth in specially built shelters. There were rituals to observe and karakia to recite. Mothers sang oriori to their babies – lullabies which told whakapapa, legends and tribal history.
For example, while celebrating birthdays is a tradition, blowing out the candles on a cake is a ritual. Similarly, while getting married is a tradition, exchanging vows is a ritual. New rituals can be created at any time. To become tradition they only need to be understood and replicated by a wider community.
Anzac Day. Taking place on the 25th April each year, Anzac day is a point of remembrance for all fallen soldiers who have fought and died for the freedoms of Australia and New Zealand.
Types of Traditions. Traditions may be verbal or nonverbal. Nonverbal traditions include traditional artifacts (e.g., icons, monuments, symbolic objects), sites, designs, gestures, postures, customs, and institutions.
Māori values are instruments by which Māori people view, interpret and make sense of the world. The universal values and beliefs are centered around land, water, and air as the essential ingredients of life that are to be respected, cherished, and sustained.
Māori is a rich distinctive culture that has the combination of art, oratory and collective performance with a spiritual understanding that is entwined with the meaning of their culture, language and people. The language is considered a taonga (a treasure and one to be cherished and protected).
Te Reo Māori numbers from 1-20:
One = Tahi. Two = Rua. Three = Toru. Four = Whā
Taha tinana, or physical health. Taha wairua, or spiritual health. Taha whānau, or family health. Taha hinengaro, or mental health.