Māori

Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, known for their unique culture, language, and traditions. They arrived in New Zealand from Polynesia around the 13th century. The Māori language, Te Reo Māori, is an official language of New Zealand and reflects their rich heritage. Māori culture is characterized by concepts like whānau (family), marae (meeting grounds), and tikanga (customs and practices). Historically, Māori society was organized into iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes), with a strong connection to the land and spirituality. Today, Māori continue to play a vital role in New Zealand's cultural and social landscape.