At the heart of Māori identity, whenua signifies not only land but also placenta, symbolizing the deep, life-giving connection between people and the earth. This intrinsic link underscores why the loss of whenua was not merely economic but cultural and spiritual, severing ties that define belonging and wellbeing.

 

The Whenua Māori document explores the historical and contemporary relationship between Māori and land (whenua), focusing on the profound impacts of colonisation, land alienation, and the ongoing journey of recovery and regeneration. The document traces the dramatic reduction of Māori landholdings from pre-colonial times to the present, highlighting the mechanisms of loss—such as unfair sales, legal pressures, and discriminatory policies—that stripped Māori of both land and capital. The narrative then shifts to the resilience and resurgence of Māori, noting the growth of the Māori economy, the importance of Treaty settlements, and the collective efforts to restore both land and cultural identity.

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Download Whenua Māori.