The Role of Maori Proverbs: Cultural Heritage and Modern Impact

This essay explores the significance of Maori proverbs (Whakatauki) within Maori culture, highlighting their role in conveying wisdom, cultural values, and life lessons. It examines two specific proverbs: 'Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate,' which emphasizes the importance of physical activity, and 'E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata,' which underscores the value of shared meals and hospitality. The essay discusses how these proverbs transmit cultural ideas, influence behavior, and remain relevant in contemporary society, addressing issues such as lifestyle diseases and the importance of social connections through shared food experiences. It concludes that Whakatauki are essential for teaching valuable life lessons and preserving Maori traditions, offering insights into cultural identity and promoting well-being.

Running head: MAORI PROVERBS 1
Maori Proverbs
Name
Institution Affiliation

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Whakautuki (proverbs) are an integral part of the Maori Culture. They are used to convey
wisdom, the discovery of truth, new ideas as well as valuable life lessons. The beauty of the
Maori proverbs is the universality of their meaning. Everyone can relate to them in different
ways and levels. While not all cultures practice the use of proverbs, those that do recognize its
importance in social influence. Proverbs are used to allude to values and norms adopted by
different cultures without offending the traditions of others. Whakatauki is uniquely Maori and
helps gain an insight into Maori Culture.
Proverbs are a fun way to learn essential life lessons and even learn a new language.
Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate is a Maori Proverb that emphasizes the importance of
being physically active and the adverse effect that laziness has on an individual’s health (Reed,
Karetu, & Brougham, 2018). This proverb is used to encourage children and adults to remain
physically active by participating in activities such as workout. This Whakatauki transmits its
ideas by supporting critical thinking which allows the receiver to consider a different approach
from a worldview other than theirs. This proverb influences the receiver to acknowledge the
importance of physical activity while at the same time recognizing the consequences of being
lazy.
I use this proverb to motivate myself and my friends to remain physically active by
taking long walks and going to the gym to experience health benefits and be on the path for a
better future. This Whakatauki remains relevant today because lifestyle diseases such as diabetes
and high blood pressure which are caused by inactivity are on the rise (Kingi et al., 2018).
According to the CDC, physical activity can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular
diseases and cancer. Also, physical activity is a natural mood lifter. Regular physical activity can
relieve anxiety, stress, depression, and anger (Hunt, 2014). Exercise is vital for a healthier state

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of mind and managing weight. Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate can be used to
encourage people to take at least 30 minutes a day to reduce the risk of health problems. Our
health is indirect victims of our society and lifestyle. Physical inactivity and laziness today is as a
result of lifestyle and modern technology. People spend more time on their devices and screens
than they do at the gym. Lazy people are at risk of developing health complications such as
obesity.
E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata is a Maori proverb used to describe the essence of life
by appreciating a meal or an event or place. The adage is an exclamation that can be used to
express surprise or gratitude for hospitality and meals received (Moura-Koçoğlu, 2011). The
proverb transmits its central idea of cultural unity by emphasizes the importance of cohesiveness
of the native or indigenous people of a place. Traditionally, Maori people prepare meals to
establish relationships and show hospitality with each other. Preparing and sharing meals such
as the kai celebrates Maori culture and values. In the Maori Culture offering food, no matter how
plain it is to strangers and friends is an elementary part of hospitality. It also promotes a sense of
pride and accomplishment; For instance, students may prepare kai, rewana and fried bread for
their teacher to say thank you for contributing towards their education.
This Whakatauki remains relevant today because shared food and family mealtimes
recreate families, friendships and business relations. A shared meal is a social event that allows
people to share thoughts, experiences, and emotions (Metge, 2004). Sharing meals allow
conversations to take place. No matter the meal being shared, members appreciate the
opportunity to find out what is going on in each other’s life. In her book Eating Together, Julier
explains how dining together can drastically alter people's opinion. Sharing meals reduce
people’s perception of inequality, gender disparity, races, and socio-economic background

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(Julier, 2013). In some countries such as New Zealand, mealtimes are special occasions. People
meet up, invite their friends, and chose whom to sit next to where they decide what to talk about
and the themes to avoid. Sharing meals is essential today in building a family and sharing
culture.
In conclusion, Whakatauki is a Maori proverb that can be used to describe and share their
culture and traditions. Proverbs are essential in teaching valuable life lessons because they do not
argue over a point or explain anything; they tell a great truth in the most significant way. Tama
tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate can be used to encourage lazy people to exercise regularly to
reduce their risk of getting lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Regular exercise is
essential for mental and physical well-being. While countries such as America do not prioritize
sharing meals, the Maori value shared meals as a way of catching up, showing hospitality and
sharing their culture.

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References
Hunt, J. (2014). Getting Stronger, Getting Fit: The Importance of Exercise.
Julier, A. P. (2013). Eating Together: Food, Friendship and Inequality. Champaign, IL:
University of Illinois Press.
Kingi, T. K., Durie, M., Elder, H., Tapsell, R., Lawrence, M., & Bennett, S. (2018). Maea te Toi
Ora: Māori Health Transformations. Huia Publishers.
Metge, J. (2004). Rautahi: The Maori of New Zealand. London, England: Psychology Press.
Moura-Koçoğlu, M. (2011). Narrating Indigenous Modernities: Transcultural Dimensions in
Contemporary Māori Literature.
Reed, A. W., Karetu, T., & Brougham, A. E. (2018). The Raupo Book Of Maori Proverbs.