Māori law terms
Ariki | paramount chief, senior member of a senior bloodline |
Ea | state of resolution |
Hapū | collection of whānau usually linked by connection to a common ancestor, politically independent socio-political unit. |
Hawaiki | In myth, the homeland/origin of Māori. ("myth" here refers to sacred narratives that explain the world and human experience) |
Iwi | tribal people (comprising several hapū) |
Kaitiakitanga | Māori ethic of guardianship/stewardship |
Karakia | recitation, prayer |
Kaupapa | topic, policy, matter for discussion, plan, or issue. |
Kāwanatanga | governmental authority, government |
Kōrero | talk, discussion |
Mana | spiritually sanctioned authority, authority, prestige, standing |
Mana whenua | authority derived from the land/in relationship to the land |
Manaakitanga | obligation to nurture or care for others |
Mātauranga | Māori knowledge and knowledge systems |
Niu Tireni | New Zealand |
Noa | reflecting something that is safe to interact with without special restriction, complementary opposite of tapu |
Pono | true, genuine |
Rāhui | temporary prohibition set over a place to restrict access, often in cases of resource protection, or in the wake of a death (for example, by drowning). Areas subject to rāhui will usually be marked by a sign or carved pou (an upright post or pole) |
Rangatira | leader, chief |
Rangatiratanga | chiefly authority |
Take | purpose, cause of action |
Take-Utu-Ea | Take: what is the problem that needs to be solved? Utu: what is the necessary return or action required to return to equilibrium? Ea: equilibrium or balance. Once ea is achieved the problem (take) is resolved. |
Tāngata | people (singular: tangata, person) |
Tāngata whenua | people of the land |
Tāngata māori | ordinary people |
Taonga | treasured possessions, anything highly valued (tangible or intangible) |
Tapu | sacred, set apart, subject to a high degree of restriction; complementary opposite of noa, |
Tikanga | the right, correct, or just way of doing things; Māori law |
Tino rangatiratanga | absolute chiefly authority, autonomy, self-determination |
Utu | reciprocity, something done in return for something that has happened. Striving for balance or improvement. |
Whakapapa | Genealogy, lineage, descent |
Whānau | family unit (usually broader than a nuclear family) |
Whanaungatanga | relationships; value reflecting the centrality of relationships in the Māori world |
Whenua | land |