Preserving Maori Culture

The decline of the Maori population and culture continued into the 20th century, largely because of the far-reaching abusive effects of the Treaty of Waitangi, which removed land from many rightful Maori owners. Many Maori moved to the urban areas of New Zealand to seek better jobs. World War II was another cause of mass migration. Prior to the war, an estimated 75 percent called rural New Zealand home. Just 20 years later, about 60 percent of the Maori lived in the urban areas of New Zealand [source: nzhistory.net]. This mass migration had a drastic effect on Maori culture and language. The decline was compounded by the British government's emphasis on English as the new primary language of New Zealand and the discouragement of the Maori language in schools and places of business.

Drawing of a mummified Maori head.
AFP/Getty Images
This drawing, from Rouen, France, depicts a mummified head that was to be returned to a museum in New Zealand.

The 1970s were the dawn of a new era of Maori pride. The Maori had grown increasingly concerned over the decline in their traditional language and traditions. In fact, by the beginning of the 1980s, only an estimated 20 percent of Maori were fluent speakers of te reo Maori (the Maori language) [source: nzhistory.net]. To reverse the damage done to the Maori language, a group called Nga Tamatoa (The Young Warriors) petitioned the government to promote te reo Maori throughout New Zealand. Their efforts were successful, resulting in the designation of Maori Language Week in 1975, the opening of the first bilingual school in New Zealand in 1978 and the establishment of the inaugural Maori radio station in 1983. Efforts continued in 1985 when te reo Maori was ruled a taonga (treasure) that the British crown failed to protect under the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi. Various legislative recommendations were made to rectify the situation, one of which established te reo Maori as the official language of New Zealand, along with English. Great Britain is also required to recognize and encourage the use of the language in areas of public service, education, health and broadcasting. Despite these efforts and a renewed sense of cultural loyalty among the Maori, the language hasn't yet enjoyed a massive resurgence, although it's no longer in decline.

1975 also saw the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal. The main function of this group is to investigate suspected injustices inflicted on the Maori as a result of the Treaty of Waitangi. Although many claims are still being investigated, much land and many resources have been returned to the rightful owners. In fact, the group is also intent on obtaining stolen Maori human remains, including mummified, severed heads, to return to New Zealand. For years, these remains have been collected around the world and displayed in museums. Repatriation efforts have been slow, but steady. More than 660 applications for review were submitted to the tribunal by the end of the 20th century alone [source: History.com]. Over time, the Maori hope to have all land, resources and remains returned to their rightful place.

Saving the Tuatara: Maori Commitment to Whakapapa
The Maori are so dedicated to the belief that everyone and everything is interconnected that they're committed to saving the Tuatara -- a reptile native to New Zealand whose numbers have been depleted by non-native cats and rats. Today, they're in danger of extinction, due to the region's warming climate. The Maori have taken it upon themselves to become kaitiaki (guardians) of these reptiles by releasing them in sanctuaries and even sending them to the San Diego Zoo to ensure their continued preservation.

While the Maori may seem warlike on the outside, they have other sides as well. Read more on the next page.