Māori

New Zealand is an island country consisting of two main land masses namely the North Island and South Island. The capital of this country is Wellington. Along with English another language that is spoken in the country is Māori. The term Māori refers to the indigenous people of New Zealand.  In Māori language New Zealand is called Aotearoa. The most popular understanding of the name Aotearoa is that it means long white cloud referring to the long white clouds that helped the people find the country.

 

Māori culture forms a distinctive and unique part of New Zealand. Haka is a ceremonial dance performed by these people with significant and vigorous movements. The sports team of New Zealand which performs haka during its international matches has further given it recognition on an international level. Today, this dance form is widely known throughout the world. This dance displays the pride, strength, culture, tradition and unity of the Māori’s. Traditional Māori tattoo also is an important part of the culture. The Māori cuisine too is unique and special in the culinary realm. The food is distinct and the process of preparing the food makes it different and special in the realm of cooking.    

On 14^th September 1972, The Māori language petition was presented to the Parliament of New Zealand with more than 30,000 people around the country wanting the language to be taught in schools so that the Māori language, culture, tradition and identity is preserved. Thus, the Māori culture, language, tradition and its cuisine have a unique place in New Zealand.

 

This petition inspired the Māori language movement and in New Zealand the language is still spoken like the way one would be well versed with English. Te Reo Māori i.e., the language of Māori has gained recognition as one of New Zealand’s official language which is a great achievement for the Māori people.

The treaty of Waitangi was signed as an agreement between the British Crown and a large number of Māori chiefs. The term treaty means a formal agreement between two or more States which legally binds the parties to the agreement. In New Zealand this treaty is widely accepted as a constitutional document.

This treaty is the founding document of New Zealand. In the year 1840 this treaty was signed on 6th February. Every year on 6th February Waitangi Day is recognized as New Zealand’s national day. This day is recognized as a public holiday in New Zealand. This treaty is named after the place where it was first signed by the British Crown and the Māori chiefs. This treaty guaranteed various rights and protection of the Māori culture, art, language etc.