Maori Words & Concepts

The table below derives from the fascinating book by Cleve Barlow, Tikanga Whakaaro: Key Concepts in Maori Culture (South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 1991). The book is written in both Maori and English; it also takes a liberal approach to the meaning of words, dealing with them as concepts in context. If you accept language as an index to culture, then you’ll find the book a wonderful read. The table below is not intended in any way to do justice to the exposition of Barlow, but only to note a few items as basis for class discussion.

Akoranga	“Traditional teachings of a tribe,” treating proper behavior and ethical values.
Aroha	Love, charity, good will toward people and toward nature. Aroha comes from the gods, and individuals express it.
Hongi	The hongi is a ritual of greeting, blessing, and unity. The two parties press noses against one another and exhale.
Iwi	A tribe, “the largest political unit in Maori society,” which commonly possesses a defined tract of land.
Kaupapa	House rules. The way people are supposed to conduct themselves in a particular place, such as a marae; what actions and roles they are to perform. If you’re Lutheran, think of it as the order of service.
Kotahitanga	Tribal unity, and cooperation so as to provide equitably for all.
Mana	Power, prestige. In a strict sense it has to come from the gods, but in a practical sense it can be earned and enhanced by individual accomplishments and knowledge.
Marae	Sort of a plaza—the open space in front of the meeting house—“a symbol of tribal identity and solidarity.” In modern usage the term comprises all the common buildings and space of the community.
Mauri	The life-essence in any creature or thing that determines what it can and will do. “Everything has a mauri.” Death is the separation of a creature from its mauri.
Pakeha	Whites. Not maori, and not persons of color.
Rangatahi	The youth, the future leaders. Youth are enjoined to learn the ways of the pakeha world, but remain true to maori tradition.
Tapu	The quality of the sacred, power from the gods, inherent in every person or thing. There can be good tapu, and bad tapu—it’s a matter of choice.
Weho	A ritual challenge given by sentinels to intruders when they approach. This is a much-anticipated part of welcoming visitors to a marae.
Whakapapa	In a narrow sense, one’s genealogy. In a larger sense, one’s place in the world, comprising all knowledge and all things.

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