About Maori

The Maori are native Polynesian people of New Zealand(a.k.a. Aoteroa, Maori name for the country.)　They are said to have been come from Polynesia in canoes about 9th to 13th century AD. For now, 14% of people in New Zealand are the Maori and 95% of them live in the North Island. Their language and culture have a close relation with lives of New Zealanders.

Maori language is used by 25% of Maori people, and it's one of the national languages in New Zealand. In elementary school, children must learn the language. Not many people can speak it fluently, but everyone knows expressions for greeting and how to count numbers in Maori.

Cultural art of them are called as "treasure of the Maori." Traditional art, such as whakairo (carving), raranga (weaving), haka (group dance) and moko (tattoo) are known well. Daily goods like a fishing hook, an axe and goods for rites like Tokotoko (a stick which god dwells within), are not just goods but also artworks

There is an ancient way of Maori cooking called Hangi. First, men dig a big hole in the ground, while women prepare meat and vegetables for cooking. Second, they put big heated rocks in the hole and then, put food in baskets on the rocks. Then, put wet clothes on them and steam.