Topic: Maori customs

Hi, I was wondering if the Maori allow pictures and or video to be taken of them??? I am going to be visiting NZ in Feburary and I wouldn't want to offend their culture if it isn't allowed.

Thanks

Brett

Hi Brett,

The general answer is .. Yes.

The specific answer is: Much like anyone else really. More so at the 'touristy things'.

I should really point out that you are very unlikely to come across anyone wearing a grass skirt and twirling a taiaha (club) in downtown Queen St, Auckland....or anywhere away from a tourist display.

Well the main reason I ask is, my wife has been penpals with a girl for the past 29 years. And we are going to be meeting and staying with her. She is Maori and is going to put on a welcome ceremony at her home when we arrive. From what my wife has said there will be about 20-30 Maori doing this ceremony and afterwards there will be a feast.

Brett

You'll be fine to be able to take photos I would think. The maori are probably quite used to it. If you're unsure just ask your host and they will let you know.

Hi Brett, best thing is ask your wife to get hold of her penpal and ask her, as you do not say where abouts by the looks of your post it is going to be on a marae.
So please ask your wife to get hold of her, good luck and have a good holiday.

Kia Ora.
Yeah thats good that u asked.

There are some ways, times where it is actually disrespectful to take photos of Maori or Maori situations.

The person who replied is mostly right,
it is highly likely that it will be ok to take photos.

However definately ask, before u flop out a camera,

Its not really likely that they will be sniggering and talking about u behind your back if u take a photo, they'll probably tell u right there + then if they don't like it,
however, like anyone anywhere , everyone is unique, so it depends.

I once asked one of the Maori elders while staying at a marae if i could take photos, they said no, but if i am taking photo's of my friends, or of people it should be alright, but don't take photos of the carvings (ancestors) on their own without any people in the photo.

I reckon just get in there + have fun, but just remember to ask !
and be respectful (it seems u are) then you shouldnt have anything to worry about, whether its at their house , at a venue or at a marae.

hi brett
i read your post and see you
are from new hamshire usa
i belong to 2 other boards
with a friend from new hamshire
and i havent a clue what his proper name is
his user name is mlegge or we call him mike
but ile contact him and
post back you may know each other
it is a small world now
have a good holiday while your here
marty