Maori
are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New
Zealand and their culture is an integral part of New Zealand life. About
15% of the country’s population of 3.8 million is of Maori descent.
Maori are a tribal people and their tribes are known as iwi.
Visitors
to New Zealand are presented with many opportunities to experience Maori
culture first-hand. Best known of these is the geo-thermal region of
Rotorua in the North Island, where tourists can enjoy Maori kai
(food) cooked on hot stones underground as part of a traditional hangi.
They can also enjoy a Maori powhiri (welcome), visit local
marae (meeting houses), listen to kapa haka (traditional performances
of song and dance) and relax in the popular thermal pools. Maori culture
forms the basis of New Zealand culture and is the essence of its society.
All
material, unless otherwise noted, is copyright to the author and
may not be used, reproduced or mirrored without express consent
in writing. Permission is not specifically sought for linking,
although the author does appreciate notification.
Maori
are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New
Zealand and their culture is an integral part of New Zealand life. About
15% of the country’s population of 3.8 million is of Maori descent.
Maori are a tribal people and their tribes are known as iwi.
Visitors
to New Zealand are presented with many opportunities to experience Maori
culture first-hand. Best known of these is the geo-thermal region of
Rotorua in the North Island, where tourists can enjoy Maori kai
(food) cooked on hot stones underground as part of a traditional hangi.
They can also enjoy a Maori powhiri (welcome), visit local
marae (meeting houses), listen to kapa haka (traditional performances
of song and dance) and relax in the popular thermal pools. Maori culture
forms the basis of New Zealand culture and is the essence of its society.
All
material, unless otherwise noted, is copyright to the author and
may not be used, reproduced or mirrored without express consent
in writing. Permission is not specifically sought for linking,
although the author does appreciate notification.