Disclaimer: I am a mere tourist. These views and perspectives may or may not be anything CLOSE to what represents the Maori culture. They are simply my observations. However, I do plan to make a Maori friend to help me get a real understanding of what it’s all about.
Who or what is Maori?
Maori are the first people (ever) to live in New Zealand. They are thee New Zealanders. The day ones. The original don daddas. And guess what? They still live there! They have their own lands and flourish (for the most part) in this now modern day society.
This group of people and everyone else that came (Europeans etc.) after have somewhat of a unique relationship with each other. It’s one where they show each other respect. It took years to come about yes, but it’s something I’ve yet to see on such a large scale in other Western Societies. And I think it all has to do with their history.
Now, from the LITTLE I’ve gathered, Maori people were in New Zealand for centuries upon centuries. Europeans arrived (as they do), however, in their exchanges, it seemed as though the Europeans came with less of a ‘war’ mentality and more of a ‘let’s see what we can do with talks’ mentality. That and the fact that Maori people had this land on lock (they fought and fought and fought and fought till the Brits were like “Okay, let’s talk”). But, from the beginning, there was almost this form of ‘partnership’ rather than dominance (or at least that’s the impression I got from the tour guide).
Not to say all things were perfect and people weren’t disadvantaged and killed all in the name of colonialism (cause that happened too). But overall, what happened in the past, the wrongs and rights, led to the present day where Maori people and their culture are revered throughout the country. They’re acknowledged. They’re recognized. They’re respected. And it shows.
When one says the word ‘Maori’, it’s not seen as a bad thing. It’s seen as ‘different’ (to the western culture) and is to be respected.
What did I see/learn that made all of this evident? The following:
- When you’re flying in on Air New Zealand (their national airline service that’s actually legit) you notice the Air hostess’ uniforms are designed with a special pattern – patterns based off of Maori designs.
- Their international airport staff and overall design greets you with “Kia Ora” – “Hello” in Te Reo (Maori Language). This in a country that’s known as an ‘English Speaking’ country Eh.
- Kiwi’s (New Zealanders) sometimes have similar necklaces – normally a carved design on either white bone, green stone or wood. Each pattern & style has a different meaning but what’s now become great souvenirs still holds precious meaning and value amongst Maori communities.
- You see what looks like ‘random’ wooden carved structures at the entrance to different areas, sometimes in between tall city sky scrapers and wonder – what’s that? Yet, they all have meaning and tell a story.
- The street, town and city names trip your tongue up so much that you KNOW the Queen of England did not designate that name herself. E.g Whakapapa (WH makes the F sound), Ngaipipi (the g is essentially silent), Rotorua & Te Whakarewarewa.
- At most (if not all) official ceremonies, leaders begin by greeting the crowd in the traditional Maori way – in Te Reo and by acknowledging the space they are on.
When you go deeper you find out they have a seat in parliament. Their language is taught in schools. People thoroughly enjoy how they cook their food. They’re integrated into society but also have their own things going on.
You learn that it’s okay to be Maori. It’s okay to be different. If anything it’s better that you are. You have that culture. You have that connection to the land.
(Also, I won’t lie, I think the Tourism department is also super happy about it too. This somewhat British colony has a ‘brand’ that’s different to what a lot of the world knows. And oh do they run with it.)
But, there’s SOO MUCH more to these people and their culture – I’ve only scratched the surface. Ma cya wait fi find out more.
Important side note:
- Maori are still fighting to correct a lot of wrong that had occurred and still occurs, but they’re a lot further along as a people in their own country than most others in Western Societies in the world.
Written on July 1st 2018
Update: Since writing this piece I DID become friends with someone who was Maori (put it out there!) and I learnt SO much more. I’m eager to share what I learnt later down!
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