Te Reo Māori — The Māori Language
Te reo Māori (the Māori language) is one of New Zealand's three official languages alongside English and New Zealand Sign Language. It was declared an official language under the Māori Language Act 1987.
Te reo Māori is an integral part of New Zealand's national identity. You will encounter Māori words and phrases throughout daily life in New Zealand — in place names, government, education, media, and greetings.
Common Māori Words in Daily Life
- Kia ora — Hello / Thank you
- Aotearoa — New Zealand (Land of the Long White Cloud)
- Whānau — Family
- Kai — Food
- Tangata whenua — People of the land (Māori)
- Pākehā — New Zealanders of European descent
- Taonga — Treasures, cultural heritage
- Marae — Māori meeting ground and community centre
Tikanga Māori — Customs and Values
Tikanga Māori refers to the customary system of values, practices, and behaviours that are accepted as correct and proper within Māori culture. Tikanga encompasses the norms that guide everything from how people greet each other to how important decisions are made.
Key Values
- Manaakitanga — Hospitality, kindness, and care for others; showing respect and generosity
- Whanaungatanga — Relationships, kinship, and a sense of family connection
- Kaitiakitanga — Guardianship and stewardship of the natural environment
- Mana — Prestige, authority, and respect; protecting the dignity of yourself and others
- Aroha — Love, compassion, and empathy
- Kotahitanga — Unity, solidarity, and collective action
- Tūrangawaewae — A place to stand; sense of belonging and connection to land
🌿Manaakitanga — the practice of showing respect and care toward others — is considered one of the most important values in Māori society, and is reflected in NZ culture broadly.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi — The Treaty of Waitangi
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is New Zealand's founding constitutional document. Signed on 6 February 1840, it represents an agreement between the British Crown and over 500 Māori rangatira (chiefs).
The Treaty Principles
The Waitangi Tribunal and the courts have interpreted the Treaty as giving rise to several broad principles that guide the Crown's relationship with Māori:
- Partnership — The Crown and Māori are partners and must act in good faith toward each other
- Protection — The Crown must actively protect Māori rights and interests, including language, culture, and lands
- Participation — Māori must be able to participate in decision-making that affects them
These principles are embedded in New Zealand law and policy. Many statutes include a requirement to give effect to or have regard to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Biculturalism and Multiculturalism in New Zealand
New Zealand has a unique bicultural foundation — the relationship between Māori (tangata whenua, the people of the land) and the Crown, as expressed through Te Tiriti. This biculturalism is distinct from and alongside the country's multiculturalism.
New Zealand is one of the most ethnically diverse nations in the world. Significant communities include Pacific Islanders (Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island Māori, Fijian and others), Chinese, Indian, South Korean, Filipino, and many others. This diversity is a source of national pride and strength.
As a New Zealand citizen, you are joining a society that celebrates both its bicultural identity and its multicultural character. Respect for Māori culture, language, and the Treaty relationship is an important aspect of being a New Zealander.
The Marae — Heart of Māori Community
The marae is the traditional communal gathering place of a hapū (sub-tribe) or iwi (tribe). It typically consists of an open courtyard (marae ātea) and a wharenui (meeting house). The marae is where important ceremonies, meetings, tangihanga (funerals), weddings, and community events take place.
Visiting a marae involves protocols — including a pōwhiri (formal welcome ceremony). Understanding and showing respect for marae tikanga is a valued aspect of living in New Zealand.