The Maori civilization is part of the long history of New Zealand. This Polynesian ethnic group arrived in Aotearoa (this is their aboriginal name meaning “land of the great white cloud”) in 1320, and their people were the first settlers of the Kiwi country!
Being far from civilization, the Maori tribes of New Zealand developed a culture based on their connection with the gods and with nature. The traditions of this ethnic group are fascinating and are part of the country’s identity.
In this article, we will tell you the history of the Maori civilization, from its arrival to the present day, and we will show you some of its most popular and representative customs. Scroll down and learn more about New Zealand and its people.
History of the Maori tribes of New Zealand
To understand the history of the Maori tribes of New Zealand, we must begin with their origins. According to myths and legends, this ethnic group originated from Hawaiki, an island located in French Polynesia and known today as Raiatea.
Mythology states that the tribe migrated aboard 7 canoes called waka to Aotearoa, which is the Maori name for New Zealand. In each boat, they brought different plant and animal species such as sweet potatoes, yams, and Pacific rats.
Historians and scientists maintain that this exodus occurred between 800 and 1300. It is believed that the Maori tribes of New Zealand came from eastern Polynesia (the Cook Islands or Hawaii, perhaps) and became the first settlers.
The Maori civilization was originally a marine group of the tropics. Upon their arrival in New Zealand, the tribes had to adapt to the temperate climate and were dedicated to hunting birds (many are now extinct) and eating plants to survive.
Being so far away from the world, the different tribes created their own traditions, Maori culture, language, various forms of art, and legends. We’ll tell you more about this in a bit; first, let’s take a walk-through history.
Europeans arrive in Aotearoa
The Maori civilization had contact with Europeans before colonization. In 1642, the explorer Abel Tasman led the first known expedition to reach New Zealand, and James Cook, the captain who discovered Australia, set foot in the territory in 1769.
These and other explorers recounted their encounters with the Maori tribes of New Zealand. The stories made them out to be a race of fierce warriors, so violent that they enslaved or ate their enemies when they won wars.
In 1780, fugitives and deserters arrived in the area, and, by 1830, more than 2,000 Europeans were living among the Maori civilization. This led to many groups acquiring firearms, which triggered the bloody Musket Wars.
The Musket Wars
The Musket Wars was a period of inter-tribal fighting that resulted in the extermination of various groups, the death of Aborigines at the hands of Europeans, and the capture of slaves. The battles ended when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840.
At that time, the United Kingdom was a world power and was pressured to stop the killing between tribes. For that reason, the Treaty of Waitangi was created and all of New Zealand became a colony controlled by the British Crown.
New Zealand nowadays
New Zealand is governed by the king of the United Kingdom, Charles III, but it is a sovereign country with a separation of powers and a parliament. Despite this, the Maori tribes have gained relevance, and their customs are part of the New Zealand idiosyncrasy.
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Typical expressions of Maori culture in New Zealand
Undoubtedly, the Maori tribes of New Zealand are very interesting and have precious customs and philosophies that reflect their spirit and way of life. These 7 cultural expressions will allow you to get to know better the aboriginal population of the Kiwi country:
Haka
Haka is a dance of the Maori tribes. This dance combines songs, movements, and gestures, and has several meanings; in rugby matches, it is done to challenge the opponent and, at weddings, birthdays, or funerals, it is a way to honor the guests.
Hongi
Hongi is a traditional greeting of the Maori culture performed by two people pressing their noses together at traditional gatherings and solemn ceremonies. Through this gesture, both beings connect by sharing the breath of life.
Kaitiakitanga
Kaitiaki is an expression of the Maori tribes of New Zealand that means guardian of the sky, the sea, and the land. A kaitiaki is a chosen guardian and kaitiakitanga is the set of actions and practices to protect the environment.
Maori civilization feels a strong connection with the planet. Kaitiakitanga is based on the idea that human beings are part of the natural world, so this system seeks to avoid permanent damage and imbalances in the environment.
This philosophy has been part of the tribes for generations. In the past, people avoided exploring certain areas, gathered what was necessary, and used lunar calendars to know when to plant and harvest; all of this to take care of the environment.
Mana
Mana is another expression of Maori culture that symbolizes prestige and power. This divine force is inherited at birth and grows as a person ages, giving them the authority to lead and to make social and political decisions.
Tā moko
Tā moko is the name given to the tattoos of the Maori tribes of New Zealand. In ancient times, the marks represented the passage from childhood to adulthood, were a symbol of social status, and were placed on the skin to attract the opposite gender.
In the pre-colonization era, the tā moko was not a tattoo per se. The tohunga-tā-moko used chisels made from albatross bone to leave very fine grooves in the skin that were filled with natural black pigments.
This practice is still alive and well in Maori culture. Since 1990, many men and women have branded themselves as a sign of their cultural identity. Some do it using ink and tattoo machines, while others do it the old-fashioned way!
Whakairo
Whakairo is a Maori word that represents the traditional technique of carving bone, wood, and stone. This art was used to build houses, weapons (taiaha), tools, boats (waka), temples (pouwhenua), walking sticks (tokotoko), and other objects.
Whānau
Whānau is another Maori word that translates as extended family. This expression symbolizes the union of 3 to 4 generations of the same blood through physical and spiritual ties that support each other and care for each other.
Maori people in the XXI century
In the 21st century, the Maori civilization exceeds 892,000 people, equivalent to 17.4 % of the population of the Kiwi country, and has much more representation. Several Aboriginal politicians have held important political positions.
Also, the language of the Maori tribes of New Zealand has been an official language since 1987. It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 native speakers and that some 186,000 people are able to hold simple conversations using this code.
Oh, and don’t forget that Maori culture is still alive! In different parts of the country, whakairo is still used to build houses, hāngī (subway ovens) are made to prepare iconic dishes, and kaitiakitanga is practiced.
Tribes throughout New Zealand are taking action to protect the environment. The Ngāi Tahu are the guardians of the pounamu (green stones used for handicrafts) and The Te Rarawa are fighting to save the New Zealand pigeon.
When it comes to sports, the Maori civilization has excelled in the world of New Zealand rugby. The Māori All Blacks are a 200-year-old team that has competed with success in national and international tournaments.
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