maori

MAORI Maori are the host people of Aotearoa - New Zealand (land of the white cloud). Maori actually means natural, normal or local. The Maori call themselves Tangata Whenua, meaning people of the land. According to the 1996 census, Maori population is well over 500,000, which is around 15 percent of the population of New Zealand. More than 95 percent of Maori live on the North Island. Maori language is still an endangered language. English is taught in schools …

…Kini Te Kanawa arguably one of opera’s brightest stars today and author Keni Ilulme, who won Britain’s coveted Booker prize, are excellent examples of Maori success. Sir Paul Reeves, a Maori from the Tamnaki tribal region is a former Governor General of New Zealand. Dame Geongina Kirby is noted for her leadership in Maori women’s issues, Maori art and business. Also, Maori are significant contributors to New Zealand’s international sporting achievements.