The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand, living on the large island in the South Pacific Ocean located off the southeast coast of Australia. While some Maori continue traditional cultural practices like the haka war dance, now performed ceremonially rather than for war, and moko tattoos, others have adopted a modern lifestyle, and many Maori now struggle with issues like poverty, alcoholism, and drug abuse as a conquered indigenous population.

1. Contemporary Traditional Marori Culture Part 1 "Who are the Maori" By Benjamin Perez 1-13-12 Period 4 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 south east coast of Australia.

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

5. One tradition of the Maori culture is the haka war dance. The dance however is now performed for ceremonial purposes, 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 cool because of their tattoos and dances.

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