Understanding the customs and protocols of Māori culture is not just about showing respect, it’s about building genuine connections with the people and land of Aotearoa – New Zealand. Whether you’re visiting a marae (tribal meeting ground), taking part in a cultural experience or simply exploring this beautiful country, being culturally aware can go a long way.
Below are some key cultural dos and don’ts to help you navigate your journey with understanding and respect.
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Table of Contents
Entering a Marae
The marae is a deeply sacred place, not just a venue or community centre but a connection to tūpuna (ancestors) and iwi identity.
✅ DO:
- Wait for an invitation or formal pōwhiri before entering.
- Follow the lead of your hosts, they’ll guide you through where to go and how to behave.
- Be respectful during ceremonies, turn your phone off and stay quiet during speeches.
❌ DON’T:
- Walk onto a marae uninvited, it’s not a public space you can just explore.
- Wander around taking photos unless you’ve been given permission.
- Interrupt the formal process, even if you’re unsure what’s happening, just stay still and observe.
Understanding Pūkana and Gender Roles
Pūkana (fierce facial expressions) are powerful expressions of wairua and mana but they aren’t the same for men and women.
✅ DO:
- Understand that women express their pukana by widening their eyes and turning down the sides of the mouth.
- Appreciate the power and purpose of pukana in haka and other performance, it’s more than a facial expression.
❌ DON’T:
- Ask women to poke their tongues out, this is reserved for men and seen as disrespectful when misused.
- Treat pukana as a novelty or a photo opportunity.
Respect for Sacred Spaces and Objects
In te ao Māori, certain everyday objects and places are tapu (sacred) and must be treated with care.
✅ DO:
- Sit on chairs or the ground when in doubt.
- Treat dining areas and kitchen spaces as sacred, they are linked to kai and sustenance.
- Respect household customs when visiting Māori homes.
❌ DON’T:
- Sit on pillows — they are associated with the head, which is tapu.
- Sit on kitchen benches, dining tables or coffee tables, these are spaces reserved for food, not for sitting.
- Place personal items like hats or underwear on tables or pillows, even temporarily.
Cultural Beliefs Around Menstruation
There are traditional beliefs around wāhine and the sea during menstruation, especially in culturally significant areas or ceremonies.
✅ DO:
- Ask if you’re unsure, different iwi may observe these customs differently.
- Be mindful when swimming near sacred waters or while participating in cultural events.
❌ DON’T:
- Swim in the sea while menstruating, especially during rituals or visits to places of significance.
- Brush this off as superstition, it’s part of a wider cultural framework of tapu and noa (sacred and ordinary).
Inside the Wharenui (Meeting House)
The wharenui isn’t just a building, it’s considered a living embodiment of ancestors.
✅ DO:
- Remove your shoes before entering.
- Remain quiet and respectful inside.
- Follow seating arrangements if advised, these are often based on gender and standing in the whānau or group.
❌ DON’T:
- Eat, drink, or act casually inside.
- Assume it’s okay to explore without guidance.
Body Language and Personal Boundaries
Māori beliefs around tapu extend to people’s bodies, particularly the head.
✅ DO:
- Be mindful of personal space, especially around elders or during formal settings.
- Offer gestures like ahongi (if led by your host) with reverence, it’s about sharing breath and life force.
❌ DON’T:
- Touch someone’s head even a child’s without permission.
- Treat hongi like a casual greeting or joke.
Speaking and Understanding Te Reo Māori
Using te reo Māori is a beautiful way to connect, but it must be done with respect.
✅ DO:
- Learn and use common greetings like kia ora or tēnā koe.
- Make an effort to pronounce place names correctly even a small effort is appreciated.
- Check out our Guide to Māori Pronunciation to help you sound it out the right way.
❌ DON’T:
- Use te reo Māori in a mocking or joking way.
- Assume it’s okay to create your own translations or misuse terms, context matters.
Keen to discover more homegrown stories?
Explore our Everything Kiwi collection, a celebration of Aotearoa’s artists, creators and storytellers who keep the spirit of our whenua alive.
👉 Read more on our Everything Kiwi page.
🌍 Travel Planning Resources
These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your “Tohu” guide you “Trust the Journey” and follow what feels right for you.
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Final Thoughts
Aotearoa – New Zealand is built on two cultures: Māori and Pākehā. When we travel, we don’t just move through places — we move through people’s histories, beliefs, and living traditions. Taking the time to understand Māori customs isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about honouring the tangata whenua (people of the land) and walking respectfully in their world.
Ēhara te tono āwhina te haumate, he kaha kē
Asking for help is not a weakness, it is strength