Maori culture
Maori culture is the pride of New Zealand and always ready to share its riches with all who visit.
Like many parts of New Zealand, Wellington has a proud Maori history that lives on today.
The earliest name for Wellington, from Maori legend, is Te Upoko o te Ika a Maui. In Maori it means ‘the head of Maui’s fish’ and is based on a colourful Maori legend that tells the tale of the Polynesian demi-god Maui, who caught and pulled to the surface a giant fish that became the North Island.
Maori tradition estimates that the great Polynesian explorer Kupe discovered Wellington Harbour some time in the 10th century and named several places around the Wellington Peninsula. This unique culture is engrained into the very fabric of this land and to ensure its rich traditions live on into the future, the local guardianship interests in Wellington are governed by the Wellington Tenths Trust/Nga Tekau o Poneke.
Today, Maori people with tribal connections from across the country contribute to the cultural diversity of Wellington by living and working here. Maori culture, art and traditional crafts play an integral part in any gallery or museum’s collection throughout Wellington and greater New Zealand and are widely respected throughout the world.
New Zealand’s National museum, Te Papa Tongarewa, is proud to showcase a stunning array of Maori art and cultural treasures throughout various areas of the museum. This awe-inspiring museum boasts over 30,000 taonga (cultural treasures) registered in the Taonga Maori Collection. Other unique cultural treasures include intricate weavings, ancient stone tools, and amazingly detailed wood carvings.
This is a fascinating culture that is ready to share its history with visitors to its homeland.
Maori Treasures
While an impressive array of Maori art and cultural crafts can be found in Wellington’s galleries and museums, Maori Treasures offers a uniquely intimate experience. Visit this amazing Maori tribal settlement belonging to the Hamua people at Waiiwhetu (the first tribal marae in New Zealand) and learn about its fascinating history and traditions. A personal guide will showcase arts and crafts and talk you through interesting facts you’re unlikely to hear anywhere else.
58 Guthrie St, Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt 5011. (+64 4 939 9630).