Embracing Māori Culture

If you’re visiting New Zealand for the first time, you’re in for a treat. Beyond its breath-taking landscapes and vibrant cities, New Zealand has a deeply rich Māori culture that’s worth exploring. 

The Māori are the indigenous people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), have a history that dates back over thousands of years, and their traditions, language, and values are woven into the fabric of the country. As a tourist, there are plenty of ways to connect with Māori culture, while also respecting and learning from it. Here’s how you can do just that!

1. Understand Māori History

Māori history is rich and complex, dating back thousands of years.They developed unique and vibrant societies across the country, with distinct traditions, art forms, and customs.

The 19th century brought European settlers, which led to conflicts and significant changes in Māori society. The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840, is an essential part of New Zealand’s history, establishing a relationship between Māori and the British Crown. However, its implementation has been debated, and understanding its role in shaping modern New Zealand is crucial.

If you want to get a deeper understanding of Māori history, museums like Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington and the Auckland War Memorial Museum are great places to start. These spots are filled with Māori history, artifacts, and exhibits that will give you a clearer picture of the cultural legacy.

2. Respect Māori Traditions

Respect is a big part of engaging with Māori culture. When visiting Māori communities or cultural sites, always be aware of the protocols. A common way to show respect is by acknowledging the marae (a Māori meeting grounds), which often involves participating in a traditional welcome ceremony called a powhiri. During this ceremony, you might be asked to remove your shoes before entering a wharenui (meeting house) and wait for the speeches and waiata (songs) that follow.

Māori culture places great value on relationships and hospitality. When you’re engaging with the people, take the time to listen and ask questions respectfully. The Māori are proud of their heritage and are often eager to share their stories with visitors who show genuine interest.

3. Support Māori Businesses

One of the best ways to support Māori culture is by supporting Māori-owned businesses. Look for opportunities to buy Māori arts and crafts, attend Māori-run cultural performances, and book experiences led by Māori guides. Local Māori tours, like those to Rotorua for a traditional hangi (earth oven meal) or Waitangi Treaty Grounds for historical insights, are an awesome way to learn while directly contributing to Māori communities.

Supporting Māori-owned businesses also helps preserve and promote traditional practices. From locally made jewellery to guided tours and cultural performances, you’re helping to keep Māori traditions alive and thriving.

4. What Not to Do

When visiting New Zealand and engaging with Māori culture, there are a few things you should avoid doing:

• Don’t take photos without asking: Always be mindful when photographing sacred sites or ceremonies. Ask permission before taking photos, especially during important cultural events.

• Don’t treat cultural practices lightly: Whether it’s a ceremonial performance or the opportunity to visit a marae, treat all interactions with the same level of respect you would expect in your own culture.

• Don’t appropriate Māori culture: Wearing Māori-inspired tattoos or symbols without understanding their significance can be seen as disrespectful. Tattoos (moko) are deeply sacred and personal in Māori culture, so it's important to learn about their meanings first.

5. Everyday Practices to Show Respect

Showing respect for Māori culture doesn’t always require big gestures—it’s the small, everyday actions that can make a difference. Here are some simple practices you can incorporate into your daily routine:

• Put effort into pronouncing Māori words and place names correctly: New Zealand is full of Māori place names, and making an effort to pronounce them correctly goes a long way. A tool I use is the Te Reo Māori Dictionary, which helps me get the pronunciation right. It’s a small effort that shows a lot of respect for the culture.

• Learn a few words in Te Reo Māori: Māori language is a beautiful part of the culture, and picking up simple phrases like kia ora (hello) or haere mai (come in) can make a great impression and show respect for the Māori people.

• Be mindful of how you engage with Māori art and symbols: Māori art is filled with deep meaning and symbolism. Whether it’s the designs in whakairo (carvings) or kākahu (clothing), take the time to appreciate the cultural significance behind it.

• Be aware of your surroundings: When visiting cultural sites, always be respectful of the spaces you enter. If you’re entering a marae, remember to follow the proper protocols and be aware of local customs.

By taking the time to understand, respect, and support Māori traditions, you'll have a much richer experience while visiting New Zealand. Remember, these practices and customs have been passed down through generations, and your respectful engagement can help preserve them for future travelers. Enjoy the journey and the chance to learn from one of the world’s most fascinating cultures!