The Maori people are the indigenous inhabitants of New
Zealand and they were believed to have first arrived on the islands in the
Polynesian migration sometime between 950 and 1130 AD. The Maori culture is
rich and diverse, full of history, myth, tradition and ceremony. The New
Zealand experience of colonisation is similar to that of many other countries
across the world. However, in recent years the New Zealand people have tried to
repair any wrongs done to the original inhabitants and Maori culture is now
understood and respected by all modern New Zealanders. Very few other countries
can boast such a pride in the culture of their indigenous people. You will
encounter Maori language and tradition in all aspects of your life in New
Zealand as it is an integral part of the national identity. It is important to
gain an understanding of the Maori culture in order to embrace the “Kiwi” way
of life.
According to the 2001 census Maori people made up 15% of the
total New Zealand population. Elements of traditional Maori culture such as
traditional tattooing, Kapa Haka (traditional dance and song) and spiritual
beliefs have also re-established themselves amongst modern day Maori.
Captain James
Cook, who reached New Zealand in October 1769 on the first of his three
voyages, was the first European explorer to circumnavigate and map New
Zealand.
In 1840 the Treaty
of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and various
Māori chiefs, bringing New Zealand into the British Empire and giving
Māori equal rights with British citizens. There was extensive British
settlement throughout the rest of the century. War and the imposition of a European economic
and legal system led to most of New Zealand's land passing from Māori to Pākehā (European)
ownership, and most Māori subsequently became impoverished.
From the
1890s the New Zealand parliament enacted a number of progressive
initiatives, including women's suffrage and old age pensions.
From the 1930s the economy was highly regulated and an extensive welfare
state was developed. Meanwhile, Māori culture underwent a
renaissance, and from the 1950s Māori began moving to the cities in large
numbers. This led to the
development of a Māori protest movement which in turn led to greater
recognition of the Treaty of Waitangi in the late 20th century. In the
1980s the economy was largely deregulated and a number of socially liberal
policies, such as decriminalisation of homosexuality, were put in place. Foreign policy involved support
for Britain in the world wars, and close relations after 1940 with the United
States and Australia. Foreign policy after 1980 became more independent
especially in pushing for a nuclear-free region. Subsequent governments have
generally maintained these policies, although tempering the free market ethos
somewhat.
LINK TO GLOGSTER : http://geoherrera.edu.glogster.com/maori-blog/
