Curious facts about Māori spirituality
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Representation of Maori practice. Image: Thaíz Lara, New Hermits.
The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of Aotearoa (New Zealand), believed to have arrived over 1,000 years ago from the islands of Eastern Polynesia. With deep roots in navigation, oral tradition, and connection to the land, Māori culture holds a rich and sacred worldview that continues to shape New Zealand today.
Have you ever wondered what this fascinating culture believes in? In this article, you’ll discover curious and powerful aspects of Māori spirituality. Ideas that may feel surprisingly familiar, even if you come from the other side of the world.
What fascinates me most about spirituality is how deeply connected we all are. So often, different cultures describe the same essence (just with different names and symbols).
5 Māori spirituality beliefs you should know
1. The land is a living ancestor (Papatūānuku)
To Māori, land is not something to own. It is whakapapa (part of a genealogical connection between people, ancestors, and nature). The Earth Mother, Papatūānuku, is not a metaphor but a real ancestor in the Māori worldview. Harming the land is like harming a family member. Every mountain, river, and valley is alive and sacred.
2. The eternal spirit beyond the body (wairua)
Each person is born with a wairua, a spirit that existed before birth and continues after death. It is deeply tied to emotional and physical health. When someone becomes unwell or disconnected from life, it is often said that the wairua has wandered. Healing the spirit is as important as healing the body.
3. Ancestors are always with us (tūpuna)
Tūpuna (ancestors) are ever-present. They’re not simply remembered; they walk beside you, guide you, and help define who you are. Whakapapa (genealogy) isn’t just a family tree; it’s a sacred thread that ties you to your tribe, to the land, and to the spirit world.
4. Sacred places that demand respect (wāhi tapu)
Certain places in Aotearoa are known as wāhi tapu (spiritually significant sites that must be treated with reverence). These can include mountains, burial grounds, rivers, caves, or even certain trees. Disrespecting these places can result in mate atua (spiritual illness or misfortune), as they are deeply protected by ancestral energy.
5. Dreams are spirit communication (moemoeā)
In Māori spirituality, dreams (moemoeā) and signs from nature are seen as messages from the spirit world. A bird’s sudden flight, a shift in the wind, or a vivid dream may all carry meaning. Māori people often turn to these signs for guidance or validation, trusting that the wairua or ancestors are always communicating.
Are we really that different?
Reading about these beliefs, did you find something that echoes your own spiritual understanding? Maybe you, too, believe that the land speaks (or that our ancestors walk with us). Perhaps we’re not so different after all.
If you’re curious to feel this spiritual connection in person, check out our guide to the 7 most spiritual places in New Zealand. Let the land speak to you, just as it does to the Māori.
About the author: Thaíz Lara is the creator behind New Hermits, a New Zealand-based storyteller who believes in the power of story and soul-filled travel. After living in 5 countries and exploring 60, she has come to understand that the most meaningful journeys often begin within. Learn more about Lara.
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