Lessons About The Maori People Of New Zealand

Heather Markel, Writer, Speaker, Photographer, Traveler, Business Strategist
A people with a fascinating history.
The indigenous people in New Zealand are the Maori. Coming to New Zealand, I had little or no reference or understanding about them. Being here I’ve learned a lot about this fascinating people.

Traditional Maori dancing.
Photograph by Heather Markel, Copyright 2020
The Maori legend, as I mentioned in a former post, is that the demi-god Maui fished New Zealand out of the sea with his hook, which is why you see this symbol everywhere in the country. (If you didn’t know, the movie Moana is based on this legend.) They came here from the Polynesian islands (and some say from even further away) and settled more in the northern island than the southern one because they found the south had a harsher and colder climate.
“An indigenous people who, after suffering in the past, may yet find a better future in their own country.”
The treaty of Waitangi is an unfortunate example of how the Maori were poorly treated. This treaty was signed by the Maori people when the British Crown wanted to establish a colony in New Zealand. This treaty and the wars that followed due to the Maori and English translations of this treaty being different, led to them losing much of the land they had previously owned. However, it seems that in more recent years, the government is trying to work with them to treat them more fairly. For New Zealanders, the signing of this document is seen as the founding document of New Zealand. But, for the Maori, it represents the loss of their lands.

An example of the intimate and intricate Maori tribal tattoos.
Photograph by Heather Markel, Copyright 2020



Love the fact about the tongues sticking out!!
Me too! 😁😂
Thank you for such an informative post. Growing up in the 60’s in Australia we learnt Maori songs at school. Then I joined a church which had a huge congregation of Maori’s. I even used to go to their services because of how friendly and loving they were.
Oh lovely! I’m thinking about learning more of their language. So cool!
Lovely post Heather. We loved NZ! One of our fave countries, and yes we went to Whakarewarewa when we were in Rotorua. Really fascinating!
Thank you. Oh that’s great to hear…so fascinating there!
I spent the day at Waitangi! I loved it so much! And the Hangi at the Maori village in Rotorua was to die for! Made a pig of myself that night
Well I think that’s an exceptional place to pig out! 🤣😁
I have been to the Maori village in Rotorua and agree with you how fascinating it is to learn all about the beliefs and traditions of the Maori people. We were shown around by an elder with a complete MOKO tattooed on his face. He explained every line and pattern was a story about him and his ancestors. Fascinating.
I’m fascinated by the tattoos and want to understand all of them! I try to ask many people I see with them to tell me the stories. So far no one got mad at my curiosity. 🤣
I had the honour of attending a celebration at a marai many years ago and the custom of being sung onto the tribal lands was beautiful.
So beautiful to witness these traditions!
I loved your post. Learning about local cultures and people is so important when visiting a country. We love to talk to the locals when we travel and learn all about their lineage, history, and how many generations have lived in their towns. Your story reminds me of the Native Americans here in the U.S. and how their land was taken from them. Thank you for sharing this lovely story.
Yes I so agree. So many countries don’t treat indigenous people with respect so it’s refreshing to see people trying to change that in New Zealand. I love the little native American culture I’ve been privy to and would love to learn more.