Experiencing Maori Culture

Maori are entertaining, hospitable hosts. There are a myriad of ways for you to experience their culture for yourself.

Marae visits

The marae, or meeting place, is a central part of Maori culture. A visit or an overnight stay on a marae will help you gain a deeper understanding of Maori culture. You shouldn’t, however, just turn up unannounced: visits must be arranged through a tour guide, who will brief you on the correct protocol to be observed on that particticular marae. Hongi Touching of noses in greeting. Koha Gifts presented by the visitors. Whaikorero A formal speech.

Powhiri

A powhiri or formal welcome traditionally marks the start of a marae visit. The powhiri begins with a wero – a warrior confronts the visitors, twirling a club and flicking his tongue. He lays down a token, such as a small branch. Picking up the token demonstrates that the visitors come in peace. The powhiri also includes the karanga, a haunting call of welcome performed by the senior women of the marae. Manuhiri Visitors or guests. Taiaha A spear made of wood. Tangata whenua ‘People of the land’, the hosts.

Cultural concerts

Throughout New Zealand there are many places where you can experience a cultural performance. Based on traditional arts, but incorporating various contemporary elements, kapa haka is a popular performance art combining theatre and song in a spellbinding display. A national competition is held every two years for kapa haka groups. Haka Dances with rhythmic movements and shouted words. Moko Traditional Maori tattooing on the face or body. Waiata A song or chant.

Hangi

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample food cooked in the traditional Maori way. To prepare a hangi, a hole is dug in the ground and the food (anything from potatoes to pork) is placed in woven baskets and buried along with hot rocks so that the food is cooked slowly in its own steam. A hangi is usually a great social occasion! Horopito A pepper tree that grows only in the alpine areas of NZ. Kai Moana Seafood. Puha Small leafy plants that are boiled and eaten as a vegetable.

Guided walks

Maori have a very close relationship with the natural environment. Participate in a guided walk to gain an appreciation of the land’s significance and learn the Maori history of the landscape. Informative guides explain local history and tradition related to the landscape and the medicinal, culinary or spiritual properties of native flora and fauna. Atua Gods or spirits. Taniwha Mythical water creature. Tapu Sacred or prohibited. Tipuna Ancestors.