In New Zealand there is a minority group that has been living there for centuries called the Maoris. Experts conclude that New Zealand was first occupied in the 13th century, perhaps somewhat earlier. The earliest immigrants to come to New Zealand came from central Polynesia. In the late 18th century hundreds the Maoris were discovered by European explorers living in New Zealand. Their original homeland was called Hawaiiki.
Subsistence practices of the Maori consisted of fishing and agriculture, fishing being the most prominent. Fishing tools were made out of stone which was common for the Maori. Maori fishing methods are divided into three groups: net fishing, line fishing, and trap fishing.
Net fishing was done by using huge nets sometimes one mile long needing the help of five hundred men. The nets were usually made out of tapu. The first fish that was caught was always thrown back into the water for Tangaroa, the god of the sea and fish.
The tools used in line fishing consisted of fishhooks made of bone, wood, stone or shells. Bone hooks were the most common, sometimes being a human bone. Other ways of fishing was called Koko consisting of a pole about nine feet long. The pole startles the fish and moves them from their hiding place making them easier to catch.
Hereditary chiefs provide the leadership within the Maori culture. Sometimes trained priests would be the head of the households. Besides the wealth and rank of the chiefs, their power was incredible. “A wise chief was guided by public opinion.” (Metge, 32) The Maori social status depended on seniority. The elders ranked above the younger people. Aristocrats had more wives, land, and slaves and were generally wealthier.
It was important in Maori life to become married, especially for the women. Women who did not marry were considered foolish and neglecting a duty. Sometimes the elderly will arrange a marriage but more often the young men would get approval from his parents. Broken marriages are common in the Maori culture. Like their forefathers, when a marriage ceased to work, they were ended.
Going to school was very important for Maori children. Two-thirds of the children attended private school. Children attended Maori schools or state schools. Maori schools spent more time in Maori studies like: language, history, arts and crafts. These days it is more likely that more and more Maori children are attending the state schools that the Maori schools.
Maoris are always pleased when they can renew a kinship tie with a stranger. They know how to treat them. “Maoris can identify upwards of two hundred relatives either by name or as offspring of named relatives. In other words they have a large kinship universe.” (Metge, 111) Most Maoris have relatives scattered all over New Zealand. In English, Maoris often use the term ‘Maori cousin’ towards one another.
Whenever there has been a death in the group, the Maori mourn for three days. Death is very significant to the Maoris. When one person dies, the mourning affects everyone. Death means that visitors from far and near will soon arrive to join in the mourning process. These visitors are treasured possessions like a cloak. If a great chief dies they will lay weapons and possessions on the grave befitting his station.
Sadly, the Maori traditions are slowly fading. Their celebrations, music, art, architecture and culture history are subjected to 21st century changes.
Resources
Metge, Joan. The Maoris of New Zealand. London: Broadway House, 1967
Phillipps, W.J. Maori Life and Custom. Sydney: A.H. & A.W. Reed, 1966
By Katie DeCarolis