
Māori culture and identity
Māori culture is the indigenous Polynesian culture of New Zealand, centered on strong community bonds, oral traditions, and a deep connection to land and sea. It features unique language (Te Reo Māori), art (such as carving and weaving), and customs like pōwhiri (welcome ceremonies) and haka (traditional dances). Māori identity emphasizes kinship, whakapapa (ancestry), and spirituality, with values like mana (prestige) and tapu (sacredness). Today, Māori pride and revitalization efforts foster cultural preservation alongside contemporary expressions, making Māori identity a vital part of New Zealand’s social fabric.