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Ngaruawahia Maori Festival with the KING

Ngaruawahia Travel Blog › entry 5 of 6 › view all entries

The New Zealander is also known as a "Kiwi" (named after the national bird). Kiwi's have a unique and dynamic culture with influences from it's mostly European, Maori, Asian, and Pacific inhabitants. Kiwi's are known for their friendliness, honesty and openness.

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Ngaruawahia Maori Festival with the KING

March 18, 2008

the marae is a communal 'plaza'

The powhiri ceremony: Haere mai! Haere mai! Haere mai!

Once! Twice! Thrice! Welcome.

With a thousand years of human settlement, New Zealand has a colourful and dramatic history, dominated by the relationship between Maori and Pakeha (Europeans).

Maori people define themselves by their iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe), maunga (mountain) and awa (river). Whanau is the name given to family - the term embraces immediate family, in-laws and all those connected by blood ties.

The ancient beliefs of Maori culture are recognised and respected by New Zealand's leaders today.Maori is an oral culture rich with stories and legendsThe orgins of the haka are deeply rooted in the mists of time.Traditional carvers also help to keep Maori culture alive by creating intricate works that pay respect to the past.

Today Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive. Within any Maori community, the marae provides a focus for social, cultural and spiritual life. The term marae describes a communal 'plaza' area that includes a wharenui (meeting house) and wharekai (dining room).