Ki Te Whaiao

Ki Te Whaiao Synopsis

Ki te Whaiao: An Introduction to M ori Culture and Society , is intended for students of M ori studies at tertiary institutions. It is also aimed at several other audiences: those M ori who want to know more about their own world, P keh living in this country, and people from overseas who want to learn about the history of the Indigenous people of Aotearoa/New Zealand. The book describes traditional and contemporary M ori society and its interaction with P keh society since first contact. It gives expression to the voices and words of M ori scholars and those informed by their world-view. Emphasis has been placed on the clarification of M ori cultural concepts throughout, in order to give readers a deeper understanding of the M ori world and to excite their interest in the key themes developed throughout the text. The book has been arranged in two parts Part one is called Te Ao M ori (The M ori World) and examines a series of topics encompassing tribal histories about the creation,important cultural concepts, the migration journeys to Aotearoa, the origins of the M ori language, cultural traditions and practices, leadership and M ori performing and fine arts. Part two, Ng Ao e Rua (The Two Worlds) examines early contact between M ori and P keh , the Treaty and related issues, religion, sovereignty, education and literature, and ends with a chapter on the Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand.