Maori, member of a Polynesian people of New Zealand. To most Maori, being Maori means recognizing and venerating their Maori ancestors, having claims to family land, and having a right to be received as tangata whenua (‘people of the land’) in the village of their ancestors.
Māori culture (Māori: Māoritanga) is the customs, cultural practices, and beliefs of the Māori people of New Zealand.