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Maori Values

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Discuss what the central components of a Maori worldview are ensuring that you fully explain at least four values. The four values that will be explained in this essay are Tapu, Whakapapa, and Tikanga.

Worldview is the perspective of the world in which we live in (Ka'ai, 2004). The purpose of this essay is to discuss and provide a strong understanding of the central components and to fully explain four values pertaining to the Maori worldview. Firstly, this essay will define the terminology “Maori worldview”. Secondly, it will discuss the value of tapu and its importance in the Maori worldview. Thirdly, it will illustrate the value whakapapa and how it is one of many primary values in the Maori worldview. Lastly, it will provide an understanding of the value tikanaga and how it encompasses all Maori values.

To understand a Maori worldview is by understanding these key indicators tribal identity, land and landscape, spirituality, language, culture, diversity, kinship structure, self-determination, concept of time, cultural knowledge and reciprocity these indicate the importance of Maori values each being a central component in the Maori worldview (Ka'ai, 2004). Therefore, this Maori worldview is considers the holism approach; meaning that all these values impact individually and collectively work together in creating a Maori worldview.
Tikanga has been described as Maori customary values and practices. According, to Williams ‘Dictionary of Maori Language’ who provides many examples as tikanga being a rule, plan or method additionally to custom and habit. It also states tikanga as being the Maori way or done according to Maori customs and protocols (Mead, 2003).There are many aspects of tikanga such as ideas and beliefs of tikanga being the ideas and knowledge of the individual build up during their lifetime by seeing, being told, instructed and by research and reading. Also there is the practice of tikanga which is an operation or practice by a group or individual. There is the public and private tikanga, the social validation of tikanga, the ritual aspect, and the aspect of manaakitanga, obligations, assessing tikanga, the pragmatic aspect, concept and practice, breaches of tikanga. Tikanga being an overall general umbrella for all values.
Tapu has been considered highly dangerous and hazardous due to the misinterpretation of the value it withholds causing it to not be fully understood. According to Williams (1971) tapu is, “a condition affecting persons, places and things” (p.385). Asserted by Elsdon (1922, cited by Patterson, 1992) tapu means, “The mental attitude of the Maori towards the spiritual and intellectual potentiate of man” (p.84). Therefore, the value tapu incorporates the aspect of spirituality by, it is not physical but it withholds a presence. There are many concepts which stem from the value of tapu, these are stated by Mead (2003), as “the tapu of the person, the tapu of personal space, the source of tapu, damaged to tapu, tapu of the body, tapu of blood, tapu of death and the extension of tapu” (p.35-50). One for example, is the Tapu of personal space which is every person has their own tapu space if anyone was to disturb that space it will cause discomfort, disrespect and damage to ones tapu and mana, further more (Mead, 2003). In summary, tapu impacts great importance towards a Maori worldview.
Whakapapa is a Maori value that portrays the importance of ones identity within their own kinship structure. Whakapapa provides us with an identity a sense of belonging to a tribal structure so later in life we can stand up and say “I am Maori”. There are all these terms and concepts pertaining to the value of whakapapa such as tuakana, teina, mataamua and potiki which gives an example of era and generation. Whakapapa also demonstrates the inter-connectedness of people to the spiritual and physical worlds such as, the connection between a person and the land, from then the land to the spirits, then from the spirits to the gods (Marsden, 2003).

In conclusion, this essay defined what a Maori worldview is and incorporated the four values the support the worldview. The purpose of this is was to define what a Maori worldview is and ensuring to discuss four values that impact the worldview. This essay looked at tikanga and how it is an umbrella for all Maori values, also the value of Tapu and Whakapapa; and, how all these values impact and also contribute to the Maori worldview.

Bibliography
Ka'ai, T. &. (2004). Ki te whaiao: an introduction to Maori culture and society. Auckland, New Zealand: Pearson Longman.
Marsden, M. (2003). The Woven Universe, selected readings of Rev. Maori Marsden. Otaki, New Zealand: Estate of Rev. Maori Marsden.
Mead, H. M. (2003). Tikanga Maori; Living By Maori Values. Auckland, New Zealand: Huia.

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