Defining Maori Groupings

Chief Judge Joe Williams (who was the Chief Judge of the Maori Land Court) described four different groups of Maori people:

• The first group is described as the ‘traditional Maori core’. This group is the most ‘enculturated’, or familiar with their culture, is often rural dwelling and speaks both Maori and English.
• The second group is described as ‘primarily urban’ and bicultural.
• The third group is referred to as ‘unconnected.’ People in this group may be biologically Maori but know little of their Maori heritage and culture.
• The fourth group is described as a group of people who are socially and culturally indistinguishable from Pakeha.

Williams, J. (2000). The nature of the Maori community. Paper Presented to PSSM Conference, New Zealand State Services Commission. October, 2000. Wellington