Taika Waititi

Maori get pigeonholed into the idea they're spiritual and telling stories like 'Whale Rider' and 'Once Were Warriors,' quite serious stuff, but we're pretty funny people, and we never really have had an opportunity to show that side of ourselves, the clumsy, nerdy side of ourselves, which is something I am.

New Zealander Director

Maori refers to the original people of New Zealand before European settlement.

Indigenous Significance

Maori is often used to describe aspects that are specifically part of Maori culture.

Cultural Identity

Avoid using 'Maori' to generically describe all indigenous people or cultures.

Not a Descriptor

The word 'Maori' is pronounced as 'Mow-ree', with emphasis on the first syllable.

Pronunciation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve and revive Maori as a spoken language in New Zealand.

Language Revival

Maori is unique to New Zealand and not to be confused with other Pacific languages.

Distinct Language

Maori art and tattoos (ta moko) are iconic expressions of Maori identity.

Visual Culture

Use the adjective 'Maori' respectfully and only when referring to things genuinely Maori.

Sensitive Usage

Do not use 'Maori' interchangeably with other Pacific cultures; it relates specifically to New Zealand.

Not Interchangeable

 community leader brett cowan at kaikoura's point keen seal colony i read on a plaque somewhere that this like rock that we're standing on actually has a big spiritual history also in terms of like maori history most definitely has