Māori Story of Creation, Society and Language

Before the world was created there was nothingness (Te Kore), then darkness (Te Pō). Out of Te Kore sky father (Ranginui) and earth mother (Papatūānuku) emerged and were joined together. Their children were born between them and lived in darkness. They conspired and forced their parents apart. The world of light (Te Ao Mārama) began.

Many stories and legends were developed to interpret the natural and spiritual world and explain human nature. These stories are based on the philosophy that there is a genealogy which can be traced back to the creation. It binds together all inanimate objects, living creatures and divine beings.

Māori society is a network of family and tribal relationships. The tribe (iwi) is the largest of the groups. Today, the largest iwi has over 100,000 members. Each iwi is made up of hapū (decent groups), some of which have many hundreds of members. Each hapū is composed of whānau (extended family).

The Māori language is an official language of New Zealand. Before European arrival Māori did not have a written language and all information and stories were transmitted verbally. A poetic language evolved to convey knowledge across generations. – Learn more about Māori customs, legends and their language on korero.maori.nz/forlearners/.