Maori people are indigenous to New Zealand and predominantly live in various regions throughout the country. They have strong cultural ties to their ancestral lands and often live in both urban and rural areas.
"Whānau" is a Maori word that means extended family or kinship group.
The Maori King and Queen reside at Turangawaewae Marae in Ngaruawahia, New Zealand. Turangawaewae is considered the spiritual and physical home of the Maori King movement, and it serves as a central hub for important cultural and political activities for Maori people.
Ngaruawahia (nga-roo-ah-waa-hee-ah) - is a small town in the central North Island, about 1.5 hours south of Auckland. It is here where the current Maori Queen or King lives, on a Marae (like a village) known as Turangawaewae (which means homeplace). Currently we have a King named Tuheitia Paki. Our Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, passed away in 2006 after a 40 year reign.
The Maori language (Te Reo) is a key component of Maori culture. It is considered a taonga (treasure) and is seen as a vital link to ancestral knowledge and traditions. The language carries the stories, customs, and identity of the Maori people, making it an integral part of their cultural heritage.
In Maori mythology, Tumatauenga is the god of war, hunting, and human activities. He is one of the children of the Sky Father and Earth Mother, and is known for his fierce and aggressive nature. Tumatauenga is associated with the physical realm and the skills needed for survival.
In China, Matariki is known as "sānjī zhiōu" (三祭孝), which means the "Three Chaste Ones" in English. This term refers to the three stars in the Orion's Belt constellation.
Matariki is not specifically named in Chinese culture. However, the Chinese have a similar tradition called Qixi Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, to celebrate the meeting of two lovers represented by the stars Altair and Vega.
Before Europeans arrived, the Maori people of New Zealand lived in tribal communities with a strong emphasis on oral tradition, art, and spiritual beliefs. They had a deep connection to the land and sea, and their society was structured around whanau (family) units led by chiefs. Warfare and intertribal conflicts were also common.
Matariki marks the start of the Māori New Year in New Zealand, which traditionally aligns with the end of the harvest season. Celebrations during the Matariki period involve acknowledging the past year's achievements and preparing for the upcoming year.
Matariki is a name specific to the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand. Similar astronomical events such as the Pleiades star cluster are called different names in various countries, such as Subaru in Japan, Messier 45 in Western astronomy, and the Seven Sisters in Greek mythology.
Sir Maui Pomare was the first Maori to graduate from a New Zealand university in 1904 with a medical degree from the University of Otago. He went on to become a prominent leader in both Maori and New Zealand society, contributing significantly to public health and Maori welfare.
The Maori were Polynesian settlers who lived in tribal communities in New Zealand, engaging in farming, fishing, hunting, and trading. They had their own unique cultural traditions, language, and social structures, and were skilled in crafts such as weaving and carving.
"Waiari" in Maori means "waterlily" in English. It refers to a type of plant that grows in freshwater environments, typically with round floating leaves and colorful flowers.
"Naka" is not a Maori word. It does not have a meaning in Maori language.
The Maori people are indigenous to New Zealand, which is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
The Maori are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes their intricate artwork, traditional tattoos (ta moko), powerful performances of the haka, and connection to their ancestral lands in New Zealand. They also have a strong oral storytelling tradition and a deep respect for nature.