Leading Figures: Top 10 Renowned Māori Personalities
There are many talented celebrities and notable people from Māori ethnicity who have achieved great success in various fields. Here is a list of 10 of the most popular Māori individuals:
- 1. Taika Waititi – A renowned filmmaker, actor, and comedian, Taika Waititi has gained international recognition for his work on movies such as “Thor: Ragnarok” and “Jojo Rabbit.” He is known for his unique storytelling style and his ability to infuse humor into his films.
- 2. Cliff Curtis – With a diverse acting career spanning over three decades, Cliff Curtis has appeared in numerous Hollywood films, including “Training Day” and “The Dark Horse.” He is known for his versatility and ability to portray a wide range of characters.
- 3. Keisha Castle-Hughes – Keisha Castle-Hughes gained fame at a young age when she was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film “Whale Rider.” She has continued to work in the film industry and has also appeared in popular TV shows like “Game of Thrones.”
- 4. Stan Walker – A successful musician and actor, Stan Walker rose to fame after winning the seventh season of “Australian Idol.” He has released several hit albums and has acted in films and stage productions.
- 5. Temuera Morrison – Known for his role as Jango Fett in “Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones,” Temuera Morrison is a respected actor in both Hollywood and New Zealand. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, showcasing his talent and versatility.
- 6. Rachel House – A highly regarded actress and director, Rachel House has appeared in various films, including “Moana” and “Hunt for the Wilderpeople.” She is known for her powerful performances and her activism for Māori rights.
- 7. Kiri Te Kanawa – One of the world’s most celebrated operatic sopranos, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa has had an illustrious career performing in renowned opera houses. She is known for her incredible vocal range and captivating stage presence.
- 8. Julian Dennison – Julian Dennison gained international recognition for his role in “Hunt for the Wilderpeople.” He has since appeared in other films, including “Deadpool 2” and “Godzilla vs. Kong.” His talent and charisma have made him a rising star.
- 9. Tame Iti – A notable Māori activist, Tame Iti has been a prominent figure in advocating for Māori rights and land issues. He is known for his impassioned speeches and his commitment to preserving Māori culture and heritage.
- 10. Ria Hall – Ria Hall is a talented singer-songwriter who combines Māori language and culture with contemporary music. Her powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
![Māori culture (Māori: Māoritanga) is the customs, cultural practices, and beliefs of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. It originated from, and is still part of, Eastern Polynesian culture. Māori culture forms a distinctive part of New Zealand culture and, due to a large diaspora and the incorporation of Māori motifs into popular culture, it is found throughout the world. Within Māoridom, and to a lesser extent throughout New Zealand as a whole, the word Māoritanga is often used as an approximate synonym for Māori culture, the Māori-language suffix -tanga being roughly equivalent to the qualitative noun-ending -ness in English. Māoritanga has also been translated as "[a] Māori way of life." The term kaupapa, meaning the guiding beliefs and principles which act as a base or foundation for behaviour, is also widely used to refer to Māori cultural values.Four distinct but overlapping cultural eras have contributed historically to Māori culture:
before Māori culture had differentiated itself from other Polynesian cultures (Archaic period)
before widespread European contact (Classic period)
the 19th century, in which Māori began interacting more intensively with European visitors and settlers
the modern era since the beginning of the twentieth centuryMāoritanga in the modern era has been shaped by increasing urbanisation, closer contact with Pākehā (New Zealanders of European descent) and revival of traditional practices.
Traditional Māori arts play a large role in New Zealand art. They include whakairo (carving), raranga (weaving), kapa haka (group performance), whaikōrero (oratory), and tā moko (tattoo). The patterns and characters represented record the beliefs and genealogies (whakapapa) of Māori. Practitioners often follow the techniques of their ancestors, but in the 21st century Māoritanga also includes contemporary arts such as film, television, poetry and theatre.
The Māori language is known as te reo Māori, shortened to te reo (literally, "the language"). At the beginning of the twentieth century, it seemed as if te reo Māori – as well as other aspects of Māori life – might disappear. In the 1980s, however, government-sponsored schools (Kura Kaupapa Māori) began to teach in te reo, educating those with European as well as those with Māori ancestry.Tikanga Māori is a set of cultural values, customs, and practices. This includes concepts such as what is sacred, caring for your community, rights to land by occupation, and other relationships between people and their environment. Tikanga differs from a western ethical or judicial systems because it is not administered by a central authority or an authoritative set of documents. It is a more fluid and dynamic set of practices and community accountability is "the most effective mechanism for enforcing tikanga."](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/TamatekapuaMeetingHouse.jpg)
Most Famous Māori People
Māori’s Three Pinnacle Historical Inheritances
The Māori community holds a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years. As the indigenous people of New Zealand, the Māori have a unique and vibrant history that is deeply intertwined with their land, language, and traditions. Their stories and customs have been passed down through generations, shaping the identity and values of the Māori people today. Here are three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Māori heritage:
- Whakapapa: Whakapapa, meaning “genealogy” or “lineage,” is a fundamental concept in Māori culture. It refers to the connections between all living beings, the land, and the spiritual realm. The Māori people believe that everything in the universe is interconnected and that their ancestors continue to guide and watch over them. This deep sense of connection to their past gives the Māori a strong sense of identity and belonging.
- Ta Moko: Ta Moko is a traditional form of tattooing that holds great cultural significance for the Māori people. The intricate designs etched into the skin tell the stories and histories of the wearer, showcasing aspects of their whakapapa, achievements, and identity. Ta Moko is not just a form of art but also a way to honor one’s ancestors and carry their heritage into the future. Today, Ta Moko continues to be practiced as a way of preserving Māori culture and expression.
- Haka: The Haka is a powerful and dynamic ancestral dance of the Māori people. Traditionally performed before battles, as well as during celebratory events, the Haka is a declaration of identity and strength. It combines vigorous movements, rhythmic chanting, and facial expressions to convey a range of emotions, such as aggression, passion, and respect. The most famous Haka, the “Ka Mate,” is performed by the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks, before every match, showcasing the enduring influence and importance of this tradition.
The Māori community’s historical inheritances, like whakapapa, Ta Moko, and the Haka, embody their deep connection to their ancestors, land, and cultural practices. These inheritances continue to be cherished and celebrated by the Māori people, acting as reminders of their unique identity and heritage.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Māori People
| Demographics | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Total Māori population | 15.0% |
| Māori population under 15 years old | 27.0% |
| Māori population 15-64 years old | 62.0% |
| Māori population 65 years old and over | 11.0% |
| Percentage of Māori speakers | 21.0% |
| Top 3 regions with highest Māori population | |
| – Auckland | 24.0% |
| – Northland | 20.0% |
| – Waikato | 15.0% |
![Māori (Māori: [ˈmaːɔɾi] ) are the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand (Aotearoa). Māori originated with settlers from East Polynesia, who arrived in New Zealand in several waves of canoe voyages between roughly 1320 and 1350. Over several centuries in isolation, these settlers developed their own distinctive culture, whose language, mythology, crafts, and performing arts evolved independently from those of other eastern Polynesian cultures. Some early Māori moved to the Chatham Islands, where their descendants became New Zealand's other indigenous Polynesian ethnic group, the Moriori.Early contact between Māori and Europeans, starting in the 18th century, ranged from beneficial trade to lethal violence; Māori actively adopted many technologies from the newcomers. With the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, the two cultures coexisted for a generation. Rising tensions over disputed land sales led to conflict in the 1860s, and subsequent land confiscations, which Māori resisted fiercely. After the Treaty was declared a legal nullity in 1877, Māori were forced to assimilate into many aspects of Western culture. Social upheaval and epidemics of introduced disease took a devastating toll on the Māori population, which fell dramatically, but began to recover by the beginning of the 20th century. A June 2023 estimate gives the Māori ethnic population of New Zealand as 904,100, or 17.3% of the total population.Efforts have been made, centring on the Treaty of Waitangi, to increase the standing of Māori in wider New Zealand society and achieve social justice. Traditional Māori culture has enjoyed a significant revival, which was further bolstered by a Māori protest movement that emerged in the 1960s. However, disproportionate numbers of Māori face significant economic and social obstacles, and generally have lower life expectancies and incomes compared with other New Zealand ethnic groups. They suffer higher levels of crime, health problems, imprisonment and educational under-achievement. A number of socio-economic initiatives have been instigated with the aim of "closing the gaps" between Māori and other New Zealanders. Political and economic redress for historical grievances is also ongoing (see Treaty of Waitangi claims and settlements).
Māori are the second-largest ethnic group in New Zealand, after European New Zealanders (commonly known by the Māori name Pākehā). In addition, more than 170,000 Māori live in Australia. The Māori language is spoken to some extent by about a fifth of all Māori, representing three percent of the total population. Māori are active in all spheres of New Zealand culture and society, with independent representation in areas such as media, politics, and sport.](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f3/Haka_performed_during_US_Defense_Secretary%27s_visit_to_New_Zealand_%281%29.jpg)
The Ancient Heritage of Māori Ethnic Groups
Māori Ethnicity: References and Resources
References and resources to dig deeper about the Māori ethnic group include:
- Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand: This comprehensive online resource covers a wide range of topics about New Zealand’s history, culture, and people. It includes detailed articles about Māori history, traditional culture, and contemporary issues. Access Te Ara at https://teara.govt.nz/en.
- Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa – National Library of New Zealand: The National Library of New Zealand provides extensive resources related to Māori culture and history. Their website offers access to digitized Māori newspapers, photographs, manuscripts, and other archival materials. Explore their collections at https://natlib.govt.nz/.
- Waiata Māori Music: Māori music is an integral part of their cultural identity. Discover traditional and contemporary Māori songs, chants, and performances at websites like https://maorimusic.com/.
- Te Matatini: Te Matatini is a biennial national kapa haka (Māori performing arts) festival in New Zealand. It showcases the best Māori cultural groups from around the country. Visit their official website to learn more about this vibrant cultural event at https://www.tematatini.co.nz/.
- Māori Television: Māori Television is a New Zealand broadcast network that focuses on Māori language, culture, and news. Their website offers a wealth of resources, including documentaries, news articles, and educational programs. Check out their content at https://www.maoritelevision.com/.
Exploring these references and resources will provide a deeper understanding of the Māori ethnic group, their history, culture, and contemporary issues. Whether you’re interested in traditional arts, music, language, or broader aspects of Māori society, these sources offer valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Māori culture.
Explore other famous people with Cape Coloureds, Embera and English roots, showcasing the diversity of ethnic backgrounds. Investigating influential individuals with diverse ethnic backgrounds tied to these Māori origins unveils the interwoven tapestry of global cultures and their impactful contributions to the world.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
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