New Zealand became home for many immigrants from around the world during the 20th Century, particularly from other Polynesian islands, Europe and Asia. Pockets of these cultural groups are still noticeable throughout the country, particularly the Scottish in the south, however the lines are often blurred by influence from other populations. These groups were resilient and resourceful, facing often overwhelming natural elements in the establishment of houses and agriculture. Most early European settlers in New Zealand had their roots in the working classes of Ireland, Scotland and England. The Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, a unique move giving the Maori automatic British citizenship and land rights, although the fairness of some conditions in the treaty for the Maori people is still disputed today. During this time many Maori people suffered from war and illness introduced from abroad, resulting in a dramatic drop in their population. A violent conflict with the Maori people led to the death of several of his crewmembers.Ĭaptain James Cook established good relations with some of the Maori population in 1769, marking the beginning of the regular influx of European ships. Historians believe that the Dutch explorer Abel Tasman was the first European to encounter New Zealand and its indigenous inhabitants in 1642. New Zealand is especially renowned for its love of music and both the Maoris and the Kiwis enjoy success in the world music market. Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland are significant cities, each with an airport and diverse dining and entertainment venues as well as museums and art galleries. With the influence of British and European explorers, the Western face of New Zealand’s culture provides all the contemporary relevance of the world’s top art institutions. The ancient wooden totem poles ‘tikis’ are a welcome discovery and each has a story attached. The striking artwork is still visible today although perhaps no longer as popular.
Maori men and women have tattooed their faces and bodies with intricate patterns throughout history. Flax is used to weave baskets, clothing and even floor coverings which feature patterned designs. Maori people still consider family and community to be paramount and aspects of this can be found in their art, music, dance and dress. Today, the haka is immortalized by the performance by the New Zealand Rugby League team the All Blacks before each game.Īlthough Maori culture found its roots in the Polynesian islands, the Maori natives have their own particular style developed over many centuries. The performance of the vigorous ‘haka’ war dance by a tribe of moko-decorated men would have been a terrifying spectacle for an oncoming enemy tribe. These striking patterns may decorate the entire face of a Maori male, however are restricted to the upper lip, nose and chin of a Maori female.
One of the most visually distinctive aspects of the traditional Maori people is the ‘moko’ or facial tattoos. Food is then shared, sometimes prepared in a traditional ‘hangi’, a hot underground oven. The arrival of visitors is usually followed by the distinctive ‘hongi’, a ceremonial greeting much like a kiss which involves the pressing together of noses. This includes traditional greetings, peace offerings, chanting and token-giving as a sign of peace. The tribal structure of traditional Maori society has a strict protocol, which can still be observed today at a marae (Maori meeting ground) through organised tour groups. The stories and legends of the society were traditionally passed through the generations orally through words and waiata (song). The Maori culture was and still is a culture influenced greatly by the power of nature and mythology, which contributed to the development of Maori art, craft, native dress, music and dancing. The Maoritanga name for New Zealand is ‘Aotearoa’, meaning ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ and is suggestive of the important role the climate and natural elements to the lives of these people. The Maori language is known as Maoritanga and shares its roots with the native languages of Tahiti and Hawaii. Maori CultureĮthnologists believe that the story of the Maori people is many thousands of years old, originating in the Polynesian islands and eventually arriving in New Zealand between the 9th and 13th Centuries. There are three primary movements that make up the most recognizable elements of this culture – the arrival of the indigenous Maori people, European arrival and the influx of migrants during the 20th Century. The cultural makeup of New Zealand is influenced by the layering of different ethnic groups throughout history, creating the vibrant society we see today.