Māori Keywords, terms and concepts

Front

Whenua

Back

Country, land, or territory. It can also mean the place where people come from or belong to.

Front

Kūpapa

Back

Staying neutral in a conflict; an ally. Collaborating with an outside group, often referring to Māori who sided with the Pākehā government in the New Zealand Wars.

Front

Kaitiakitanga

Back

Guardianship or care for the environment, resources, and living things, with a responsibility to protect and look after them.

Front

Kotahitanga

Back

Unity, working together, and taking collective action as a group.

Front

Mana

Back

Power, respect, or authority associated with a person, group, or object. Mana is a driving force behind many historical events. In the past, the assertion or taking of mana was always a motivation for the actions of the Māori.

Front

Mana motuhake

Back

Sovereignty, self-governance, or independence, meaning you have authority and control over your destiny.

Front

Maumaharatanga

Back

Memories or recollections.

Front

Ngā taonga tuku iho

Back

Treasures or valuable things passed down from ancestors, which can help us understand the past.

Front

Pakiwaitara

Back

A story or narrative, often with important lessons.

Front

Pūrākau

Back

Traditional or historical stories passed down through generations.