As a verb, the word motuhake means to separate, to set aside, to position independently, or to stand-alone. There is difficulty translating the word mana but it can be read to mean spiritual power, respect, and autonomy. Ihi is another concept in ...

The days are getting colder and shorter and as we move into takurua (winter), it's time to keep an eye out for the Matariki star cluster appearing near the horizon. For a season, they have remained hidden behind the center of our solar system. Bu...

Tikanga Māori is a contextual concept. The commonly accepted meaning is “straight, direct, tied in with the moral notions connotations of justice and fairness including notions of correct and right”, however, this can vary according to the peopl...

The contemporary Māori art exhibition ‘Toi Tū Toi Ora: Contemporary Māori Art’ which can be seen at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki illuminates many different facets of Māori mythology. Using a blend of modern and traditional art, it provide...

Prior to colonisation Māori had their own effective legal, political and social systems in place to control water, waterways and water bodies. Although such systems varied from iwi-to-iwi, all Māori followed and adhered to the principles of tikang...

Worldwide  The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples 2007 is an up to date statement with international force that affirms that indigenous peoples are equal to all other peoples, while recognizing the right of all peoples to be differ...