Home » » Indigenous Peoples » Maori

Maori

© Andy Thomason

The Maori are generally considered to be the original inhabitants of New Zealand, even though evidence suggests that there may have been a small group of Polynesian peoples called the Moa living there before them. Maori tradition refers to them as Tangata Whenua , and they were probably earlier immigrants from the same group of islands left by the Maori. Once a fierce warrior culture, visitors today are often stuck by their gentleness and mild behavior. I choose the Maori as my first article on a specific culture because they have achieved at least some measure of success at surviving and flourishing in today's modern world. A study of the contemporary Maori illustrates the many problems Fourth World nations have in trying to survive and maintain a cultural identity, and how opinions vary in deciding the best course of action, often fragmenting a culture as much as any outside influence. The Maori also show how adaptable a culture can be to changing climates and times.

The Maori have always been active in pursuing their rights. Today they are founding colleges, schools, and teaching institutions for the Maori people. They are united in fighting economic repression, are organizing politically, and are cooperating with other indigenous organizations worldwide by exchanging information, ideas, and support.

Their persistence has paid off. Maori music, language, and culture is taught in New Zealand schools. Maori is an official New Zealand language, although except for a few isolated phrases it is rarely heard outside of Maori circles. The New Zealand government and British Crown has admitted some of their past wrong-doings, and restored some Maori lands or offered financial recompense for lands unfairly confiscated.

Legend holds that the islands of New Zealand were first reached by Maori navigators around 950 A.D. The most notable of these sailors was Kupe. Because the island appeared enveloped in a long cloud, he call it Aotearoa, the land of the long white cloud, the name the Maori still use for New Zealand. Kupe returned to his home island group Hawaiki--most likely the Marquesas, Southern Cook Islands, Society and Pitcairn Islands. Although there may have been a few spotted migrations over the centuries, nothing much happened until food shortages on Hawaiki forced a major migration about 1350. The Hawaiki natives used the travel documents written by Kupe four hundred years earlier to guide them to New Zealand.

Dutchman Abel Tasman discovered New Zealand for Europe in 1642. However, James Cook's arrival in 1760, is generally considered to mark the arrival of Europeans.