The Maori Culture in New Zealand

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Maori Religion

Traditionally, Maori religion and spiritual life revolved around various gods. Most commonly referred to are Rangi-nui (the sky father) and Papa-tu-a-nuku (the earth mother). Even today, it is common to greet Rangi-nui and Papa-tu-a-nuku when speaking formally in a marae. You may also hear a lot about Maui in the creation story of New Zealand. Legend tells it that the demigod used the South Island as a canoe, and fished up the North Island. Such Maori gods are often depicted in Maori carvings, especially on Maori buildings like the wharenui.

Christianity has been incorporated into Maori beliefs with the arrival of the Europeans. Where some Christians will worship in mainstream churches, there are also two major Maori churches Ringatu and Ratana.

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Maori Media

Radio, websites, magazines and TV channels: you can find news and views concerning the Maori across several mediums. For us travellers in New Zealand, an insight in the Maori culture can be achieved by simply tuning into the Maori Television channel available in New Zealand. Shows are in both English and Maori with subtitles. Plus, more than 90% of the shows are New Zealand-made. For a TV channel purely in the Maori language, switch over to Te Reo. Even if you don’t understand the language, you can at least get a feel for what it sounds like.

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Ta Moko (Maori Tattoos)

After travelling, many backpackers get inspired to permanently ink themselves to remember the good times. Getting a Maori tattoo is one way to go about it. However, just when you thought getting a modern-day tattoo was pretty uncomfortable, not many people nowadays would opt for the traditional Maori Moko.

Moko are permanent grooves chiselled into the skin using pigment and sharp bone. This art form is unique to each wearer, as it depicts the wearer’s genealogy, knowledge, and social standing within their tribe. Men usually get moko on the face, thighs and buttocks, while women get it on the face and chin.

Although the moko hand tool method still exists, tattooing is more popular. For non-Maoris getting a Maori-inspired tattoo, this is called kirituhi (skin inscriptions).

Find out where you can get your own Maori tattoo in Where to Get a Tattoo in New Zealand?

© Cecilia Lindqvist

Maori Carvings

Maori carvings will slap you in the face as soon as you step off the plane in New Zealand. Well, not literally, but Auckland international airport has a gateway of carvings welcoming visitors to Aotearoa.

Maori carving designs are used on many sculptures, Maori buildings, waka, but you will most commonly see them on wharenui. Carvings on wharenui are specific to its tribe’s ancestral background and history.

History buffs can see some of the traditional Maori carvings in New Zealand’s museums: Auckland Museum, Te Papa, Otago Museum, Taupo Museum, Te Manawa, Waikato Museum and Whanganui Regional Museum.

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Pounamu (Greenstone)

Pounamu, otherwise known as jade or greenstone, is a valuable stone in New Zealand. Originally, pounamu was used in weapons, tools and as jewellery to show high social status.

Today, you can view some finer pounamu carvings and tools in museums or buy jewellery from, most probably, every souvenir shop in New Zealand! But if you really want to keep with tradition, you must buy pounamu jewellery as a gift, not for yourself.

Why not try your hand at carving your own pounamu? Find out where on our list: 10 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand.

For more information on pounamu, check out The Greenstone Pendant Meanings.

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Kapa Haka (Cultural Dance and Chants)

To this day, people are captivated by the kapa haka a Maori form of dance that dates back before the European arrival. The dance that springs to mind for visitors to New Zealand is the haka, as many will have seen the war dance carried out by the All Blacks rugby team before each match.

The Haka, which uses vigorous body movements, pulling distorted faces and chanting, is not just used to signify war but is used to welcome visitors, honour achievement and to express identity. Find out more in The Maori Haka: It’s Meaning & History.

Compared to other song and dance types, the haka is an exception in contemporary kapa haka. The music is usually vocal and has a European-style harmony with accompanying acoustic instruments. Nonetheless, Maori language, and haka-styled facial expressions and body movements are incorporated. See kapa haka performed live at experiences such as the ones listed in the 10 Best Maori Tours in New Zealand.