The Māori Indigenous People

 

The Māori people were the first ones to settle in New Zealand in the 1300’s.  They came in boats from the South Pacific.   It wasn’t until the 1800’s that people from Asia and Europe came here.  Currently New Zealand is about 16% Māori and they continue to speak their language and honor their culture.  We see the Māori with these tattoos fairly often.  The tattoo’s are not considered a “lower class” symbol but rather an important tradition.  Women have tattoos that run from their lips and down over their chins.  They start adding them when they “become of age” and then add more designs when they marry and have children.  Men will have tattoos all over their bodies that speak to their family history and accomplishments etc.  The Māori are spiritual and have a strong connection to the earth and oceans as well as a respect for society and family.

Although the Māori face some discrimination here for the most part they are accepted into society.  Children are taught in school to respect their history and customs.  In general people from New Zealand are very open minded, warm, inviting and tolerant of all types of people.  They take pride in not discriminating against people who are different from themselves. I wish every country were like this 💟