The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, which consists of large islands in the South Pacific Ocean off the coast of Australia. While some Maori continue traditional cultural practices, others have adopted modern lifestyles. Traditional Maori culture includes performances of the haka war dance ceremony and the art of moko facial tattoos, though many Maori now struggle with issues like poverty and substance abuse.

1. Contemporary Traditional Maori Culture, Part 1 "Who are the Maori?" By PEDRO RODRIGUEZ (1/24/12) Period:1, Culture and Geography Source: Mr.Ruben Meza , 2012

2. Thew Maor are an indigenous culture of New Zealand.

3. New Zealand is a large island in the South Pacific Ocean off the south east coast of Australia

4. Some contemporary Maori are traditional, some live non-traditional,modern lives.

5. One traditional of the Maori culture is the Haka war dance. The dance however is now performed for ceremonial purposes,not war dance.

6. Another tradition of the Maori is Ta moko: tattooing or painting the face and body with dark arching patterns.

7. Traditional Maori culture is truly strange and amazing but yet interesting.

8. Sadly,like other conquered indigenous peoples,many Maori struggle with poverty, alcoholism and drug abuse.