The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, living on the islands in the South Pacific Ocean near Australia. While some Maori continue traditional cultural practices like the ceremonial Haka war dance and moko facial tattoos, others have adopted non-traditional modern lifestyles, and many Maori now struggle with issues like poverty and substance abuse.

1. Contemporary Traditional Maori Culture "Who are the Maori?" By Suikang Fang 1/12/12 Period 6 Culture and Geography Source:Mr.Ruben Meza, 2012

2. The Maori 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 tradition of the Maori culture is the Haka war dance.the dance however is now performed for ceremonial purpose,not war.

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 amazing

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