Category: Cultural experience

The Maori people, indigenous to New Zealand, possess a rich cultural heritage that is vividly expressed through their traditional art forms. Among these, Maori patterns hold a special place. These patterns are not merely decorative but carry deep symbolic meanings, reflecting the Maori’s connection to their ancestry and the natural […]

Maori warrior names carry significant cultural and historical importance among the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. These names are more than mere identifiers; they encapsulate the heritage, valor, and spirit of the warriors who bore them. This article delves into the world of Maori warrior names, exploring their origins, […]

Marae reservations are regarded as the very last bastion of the Maori cultural life. It is the only place where the Maori language and culture may be practised without prejudice. Regardless of where Maori ‘are’ at any moment in time, it is at a Marae where the culture may be […]

In the rich tapestry of Maori culture, food transcends mere sustenance, embodying spiritual significance and communal bonding. The Maori prayer for food, known as “karakia,” is an integral part of this cultural expression, intertwining gratitude and respect for the resources provided by nature. This article delves into the depths of […]

Whangai is the Maori practice of adoption. It may be inter family, intra family intertribal or intra tribal. In some cases it may even be inter racial: there are many cases where European children have been raised by Maori. The subject was raised by Timoti Karetu at the receiving of […]

Saying goodbye to a person whom you have known all the years of your life is sad. Someone who, like me, commenced his schooling at our native primary school here in Waimarama. Hemi was one of the older school. Unfortunately, the impressive arch they carved for the school bridge is […]

Rapaki Part One – A ‘fashion statement’ or retrieving the past? On my recent trip to Hawaii, I met up with a relative from here. He was wearing a lavalava. He looked very relaxed. He assured me that it was indeed ‘very’ comfortable and that he wore it back at […]

Rapaki – Part Two A nonchalant stroll from the car to the bus at the Whakatu depot: a cheery good morning from the bus driver, nothing else. At the port, a similar response. Perhaps the port staff were just being polite. A bold move out into the open and away […]