Maori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of New Zealand and our culture is an integral part of New Zealand life.

About 15% of the country’s population of 3.8 million is of Maori descent and this percentage is growing every year.

Maori are a tribal people and these tribes are known as iwi. Some of the important cultural aspects of Maori culture is kai (food) cooked on hot stones underground as part of a traditional hangi, powhiri (welcome), marae (meeting houses), and kapa haka (traditional performances of song and dance). Maori culture forms the basis of New Zealand culture and it is the essence of our society.

Maori Today

Contemporary Maori are balancing traditional culture with savvy business and are proving to be some of the most entrepreneurial members of New Zealand society. For further information on Maori Entrepreneurialism and succeses refer to the following article.