CULTURAL COHERENCE AND DIVERSITY

The Maori influence permeates all layers of New Zealand culture
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Maori Culture

Oral history tells of a long voyage from Hawaiki (mythical homeland) in large ocean-going canoes, leading all the way to the new land of New Zealand. They expressed themselves through traditional arts and skills such as carving, weaving, and more. When the European colonists came to New Zealand approximately 200 years ago they brought religion, technology, and the English language. These sudden changes created tension between the two groups, thus the Maori established separate tribes, built fortified villages, developed agriculture, and weaponry. In 1840, Maori leaders signed the Treaty of Waitangi, intended to allow tribes to coexist peacefully with the European colonists, but unfortunately it was ignored once the land wars began in 1845. Later the Pakeha (European New Zealanders) sustained the treaty. Today New Zealand celebrates the public holiday of the signing of the treaty on February 6th. In present day New Zealand the native Maori populations are more numerically important and culturally visible. While urban living is on the rise, many Maori are committed to preserving their religion, and traditional arts. In the process Maori have adapted cultural aspects from Pakeha and vice vera. Today Maori is the official language of New Zealand, along with English. The lands culture is largely inherited from European customs, interwoven with Maori and Polynesian tradition.

Tapu means that the Whales are scared to the Maori culture
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Traditions such as Maori carving, weaving and ta moko (tattoo) are still practised throughout the countryhttp://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/new-zealand-culture-maori/

Below is a video of the world famous Haka War Dance, a traditional Maori dance, performed by New Zealand's National Rugby team, named the All Blacks. Enjoy!