Māori (New Zealand Indigenous people)

The Māori are the Indigenous people of New Zealand (Aotearoa), with a rich cultural heritage dating back over 700 years. They arrived from Polynesia and developed a distinct language, customs, art, and social structures. Māori culture emphasizes community, connection to nature, oral traditions, and traditional practices like haka (war dances) and carving. Today, Māori are an integral part of New Zealand society, advocating for their language, rights, and heritage, while also contributing to national identity through arts, politics, and community initiatives. Their resilience and cultural revival are central to New Zealand's multicultural fabric.