The Maori People

The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, arriving from Polynesia around the 13th century. They have a rich culture characterized by unique language, arts, and traditions such as tattooing (moko) and carved woodwork (whakairo). Māori society traditionally centered on kinship, community, and connection to the land and nature. Today, they play a vital role in New Zealand’s identity, contributing to the nation's cultural diversity, politics, and customs while maintaining their language and traditions. The Māori are recognized as tangata whenua, meaning they are the original inhabitants of the land.