MAORI

The Polynesians Maori is an ethic people which is found in New Zealand and scientists believe that their first canoe migrates from Hawaiki, the legendary homeland, 1000 years ago and now, they recover over 14% of New Zealand population. They first arrive in Aoteraroa, NZ and live in all over New Zealand but many of them prefer north island more because the climax is much more warmer.

After the Second World War,significant immigration from the Pacific Islands began, and they become more nationals from some specifics island nations that prefer to live in New Zealand rather than their hometown. Their wide variety cultures have combined with others in New Zealand, mostly in South Auckland, forming the new subculture that is separate from the Maori culture. However, Maori cultures Are still famous and being known by world until now.

Māori is an oral culture rich with stories and legends. The Māori creation story describes the world being formed by the violent separation of Ranginui, the Sky Father, and Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, by their children.

Maori is the symbol of uniqueness of culture and art. Dancing,festival. sports, houses, costumes and carving are very synonym with them.Their language and culture has a major impact on all aspects of New Zealand life.

(This canoe's prow is one of the example of the thousands of maori carving which is very well known by world)

The most common figures found in Maori carving are the human figure and the manaia (a bird-like figure), the marakihau (a mermaid figure), the pakake (whale) and the moko (lizard).The preferred wood for carving is totara, a wood which is very durable and soft. Paua shell (an abalone species) is still traditionally used to carve the figure's eyes.

Other than carving, mauri also famous by their music and song. The most popular one is peruperu, a song and that is performed by the army during war in order to give spirit and support for them to concure the war in which they believe that mauri people can concure and controll the death by their own.

"Ka mate! Ka mate!Ka ora! Ka ora!

Tenei te tangata puhuruhuru,

Nana nei i tiki meiI whakawhiti re ra!

Upane! Upane!Upane!

Kaupane!Whiti te ra!''

"It is death! It is death!It is life! It is life!

This is the hairy personWho caused the sun to shine!

One upward step! Another upward step!

One last upward step!

The step forth!Into the sun that shines!"

This peruperu has been adopted by a number of schools and some sporting groups, and is occasionally performed at school rugby matches in New Zealand.

(A mauri greeting-Hongi- practise during festival)