Elements of te ao Māori
What are the fundamental elements of te ao Māori?
What is te ao Māori?
Te ao Māori or the Māori world, is deeply connected to the natural environment. Like many indigenous cultures globally, Māori believe that we are not only from the land but of the land.
What is Mātauranga Māori?
Mātauranga Māori refers to Māori knowledge systems that have evolved over hundreds of years. This knowledge spans various topics, including education and kaitiakitanga (guardianship / stewardship) of the taiao (environment). While there have been historical conflicts with other knowledge systems, such as Western science, Mātauranga Māori exists alongside and complements these systems. Its application to the food and fibre sector continues to be explored and appreciated.
Example One
Mātauranga Māori can be applied through the practice of rāhui, a traditional method of temporarily restricting access to certain resources to allow them to regenerate. A rāhui might be placed on a fishing area to ensure fish populations can recover, promoting sustainable harvesting and preserving marine biodiversity.
Example Two
Mātaurange Māori can be incorporated into soil health practices, by treating soil as a living entity with its own mauri (life force). This includes using methods like crop rotations, cover cropping and adding organic materials to improve the quality of the soil.
What is te reo and tikanga Māori?
Te reo and tikanga Māori are expressions of the Māori culture. Te reo Māori is the Māori language. Although there is one common language, there are many dialects across the country (for example in parts of the South Island there is the use of ng and in other areas they use k - Ngāi Tahu and Kāi Tahu are both used).
Tikanga Māori are practices and customs that are widely accepted as to how things should be done within the Māori culture. For instance, a common tikanga is to avoid sitting on tables, as they are places where food is eaten. Understanding and respecting these practices can foster a more inclusive workplace.
What is whakapapa?
Whakapapa is the concept of genealogy, crucial for understanding the connections between people, places, and events. It is fundamental to grasping identity, relationships, and heritage within the Māori culture. Recognising the importance of whakapapa can help employers appreciate the interconnectedness valued in Māori culture, enhancing workplace relationships and cohesion.
References
Hirini Moko Mead, 2022. https://e-tangata.co.nz/comment-and-analysis/understanding-matauranga-maori/
Reo Māori, 2024. https://www.reomaori.co.nz/ 4 Hirini Moko Mead, 2016. https://huia.co.nz/products/tikanga-maori-living-by-maori-values-revised-ed?srsltid=AfmBOoq8ltwjtJMs_zgs-OaWdOgT7MKFNUWgPENDU7gMGR-mrhT_BIrt 5 Rāwuru Taonui, 2011. https://teara.govt.nz/en/whakapapa-genealogy