奇速英语

The Maori (毛利人) arrived in New Zealand from Polynesian islands about a thousand years ago. They were the first people to live in New Zealand.

In the late 18th century, Europeans came to live in New Zealand. At that time, the population of the Maori was probably 250,000 in New Zealand. Over the next one hundred years, wars and illness killed many Maori people. By the end of the 19th century, there were only about 40,000 Maori people left. During this time, the Maori also lost much of their land to the Europeans. Many of them were afraid that they might lose their traditions and language too, but this did not happen.

Today the Maori population is increasing. There are about 500,00 Maori people in New Zealand. Most live like other New Zealanders, but they are keeping the Maori language and tradition alive. Now there are Maori radio and television stations. Many schools teach in the Maori language. Nearly one half of Maori language speakers are 25 years old or younger.

Maori culture is also alive. At the center of Maori culture is the “marae”. This is a special place for ceremonies and meetings. Today the number of marae in New Zealand is increasing. Many of the new marae are in the cities. Now people in the cities can meet and learn about their Maori traditions.

Today most New Zealand cities have Maori festivals every year. Among festival activities are competitions in speaking, dancing and singing. Children practice for months. Then all the Maori in the area arrive to watch the competitions and see who wins.

The Maori have gone through hard times. Today they live a comfortable, modern life. They keep their cultural traditions alive because they have passed and are passing them down to their children.