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How
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DETAILS OF CONSULTATION PHASE
Māori Cultural Concepts / Practices
The following information about key Māori cultural concepts and practices is provided to help you understand why and how Māori follow certain protocols at particular occasions. In our experience we have found that various iwi and hapū groups may have different interpretations of these concepts and practices, and that this document does not seek to definitively define them.
Mātauranga Māori (Māori worldviews and perspectives)
Cultural traditions existed and continue to exist for all races, creeds and nations. Traditions codified into laws, rules, practices and procedures provide the framework for different belief systems and worldviews.
The framework for identifying and characterising mātauranga Māori (Māori worldviews and perspectives) is based on an analysis of the traditional practices of Māori society. These traditional practices were and continue to be developed as tools for controlling behaviour, particularly in regard to the sustainable management of the environment in which Māori live.
Mātauranga Māori is essentially a system of knowledge and understanding about Māori beliefs relating to creation, the phases of creation and the relationship between atua (supernatural guardians) and tāngata (mankind). This relationship or whakapapa (genealogy) determines the way people behave in the context of their environmental ethical practices. Understanding Māori beliefs, values and the relationship of these to the natural world requires an understanding of traditional expressions including those portrayed in waiata (song) and pēpeha (proverbs).
It should be remembered that while the main features and principles in Māori tradition are consistent between different iwi/hapū groups, the concept of ‘He kōrero i titoa ai i te roro ō te whare wānanga’ (traditional expressions composed in the porch of the house of learning) recognises regional and tribal differences.
The following are three concepts considered key to understanding mātauranga Māori. These concepts have firm spiritual derivations providing a platform that recognises a holistic view in environmental management.
(1) Kaitiakitanga (guardianship, preservation, protection, fostering)
Kaitiakitanga is the undertaking of responsibilities and obligations inherited from the atua (spiritual guardians) over the realms of those atua. These obligations and responsibilities are accrued through an intricate system of relationships with the environment, for the control and management of resources.
(2) Kawa or Ture (rituals, protocols and rules)
Customary or habitual practices founded on long continued methods of usage, which evolve according to evolving needs and circumstances.
(3) Tikanga (custom lore) Custom lore provided the basis of all important decisions for tribal groups as well as individuals. It remains valuable as a guiding principle and a source of wisdom.
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