Maori Culture

In recent decades, Maori people have come a long way toward reclaiming the status and land that used to be theirs when they first settled New Zealand, several centuries before the influx of Europeans. Today, the Maori people comprise about 15 per cent of the population of Aotearoa, and the nation is in many respects bi-cultural. In the traditional Maori social structure, clearly defined roles for males and females exist and male-dominated structure is emphasized. Status was always awarded to a man and characteristics of manhood were rewarded. The division of work was also gendered. Men did the fishing and hunting while women were responsible for the food processing and cooking (Salmond, 2004). However, today’s Maori women begin to assume active roles in Aotearoa. Mana Wahine, translated as power of women, is about the power of Maori women to resist challenge change or transform spaces within system of domination (Class notes, 2004). The status of women, Mana Wahine, is pivotal to spiritual, physical, emotional and cultural well-being for whanau, hapu, iwi and for Maori society in any context. Nowadays Mana Wahine plays a significant role in development of New Zealand’s women. In this essay, I will discuss the

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Implementing the Treaty of Waitangi has been a key focus of support, the concept of partnership derived from it has been an important basis from which non-Maori women have worked towards possibilities of alliances with Maori women (Plessis, 1992).

The difference in education between Maori and non-Maori women is also reflected in the Maori language and bilingual education.

For example, I just mentioned Maori women in employment. And the more important thing in Maori women improved education is that they can recognize why the differences exist and how to reduce them.

When colonial people first came into New Zealand, the indigenization of Maori was faced with huge challenge especially in Maori language. All the proportions of Maori girls’ participation are lower than those of non-Maori girls’. Women’s position in traditional society is higher comparatively than that in western civilization. Minister of education began with the establishment of Kohanga Reo (Maori language early childhood centres) and continued with kura kaupapa Maori (Maori medium schools). While most Maori students remain within the mainstream education system, there is now a strong demand for Maori language education. This strategy is the culmination of many people working together to develop an approach forward that is meaningful for Maori. Creating more opportunities for Maori women in employment so as to increase their income, enhance their position in society should be regarded as high-priority if the society is to develop more quickly. Women’s Refuge was the first national organization to implement parallel development.

Approximate Word count = 2985
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)

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