Māori

Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesian islands over 700 years ago. They developed a distinct culture, language (Māori language), and rich traditions, including art, storytelling, and customs like the welcoming greeting (hongi). Māori society traditionally organized into iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes). Today, Māori continue to maintain their cultural heritage while actively participating in New Zealand’s social, political, and economic life. Recognized as tangata whenua (people of the land), Māori play a vital role in the nation's identity and ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and cultural preservation.