New Zealand and Māori culture are inseparable — it’s part of the Kiwi experience.
The Māori people arrived from Polynesia 1,000 years ago and today make up around 15% of the population. Their beliefs, history and way of life are woven into New Zealand’s identity.
Māori hold a place in New Zealand’s story much as Aboriginal peoples do in Australia’s, adding an essential dimension to the country.
It’s a rich and remarkable history you’ll come to know throughout your stay, one that has left a lasting mark on New Zealand society today.
Who hasn’t heard of the haka, the war chant Māori traditionally performed before major events, now famously taken up by the All Blacks before every rugby match.
Māori today are divided into 46 tribes, each with its own history, art and leadership.
Māori culture has left a strong imprint on the art and craft you’ll find throughout the country — a living way of carrying this history forward.
Traditional Māori tattooing (moko) is a sacred art and a true marker of identity. Nothing is inked at random — each design serves as a personal record, with every motif and symbol carrying its own meaning.
Te reo Māori is one of New Zealand’s three official languages. Official documents appear in both English and Māori, and the language is taught in many primary schools and increasingly at secondary level.
