The Māori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed significantly to various fields, including arts, sports, politics, and activism. Here are ten famous people from the Māori ethnic group:
- 1. Sir Apirana Ngata – An influential politician, lawyer, and writer who played a pivotal role in the revival of Māori culture and the promotion of Māori land development.
- 2. Dame Whina Cooper – A prominent Māori activist known for her leadership in the Māori land rights movement and the famous Land March in 1975.
- 3. Sir Howard Morrison – A celebrated singer, actor, and television personality who became one of New Zealand’s most recognizable entertainers.
- 4. Merata Mita – The first Māori woman to write and direct a feature film. She made significant contributions to the growth of indigenous filmmaking in New Zealand.
- 5. Cliff Curtis – A versatile actor who has appeared in several Hollywood films, such as “Whale Rider,” “Training Day,” and “Fear the Walking Dead.”
- 6. Kiri Te Kanawa – An internationally renowned opera singer who has performed in leading opera houses worldwide, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
- 7. Pita Sharples – A former co-leader of the Māori Party and advocate for Māori language revitalization. Sharples has been instrumental in promoting Māori cultural initiatives.
- 8. Lisa Carrington – A highly accomplished Māori athlete and Olympic gold medalist in sprint kayaking. She is regarded as one of New Zealand’s greatest female athletes.
- 9. Witi Ihimaera – A prominent Māori author known for his novel “Whale Rider,” which was later adapted into a successful film. Ihimaera has made significant contributions to Māori literature.
- 10. Hone Harawira – A former Member of Parliament and leader of the Mana Movement. Harawira is a prominent advocate for indigenous rights and social justice issues.
These individuals have not only achieved success in their respective fields but have also made significant contributions to the Māori community and society as a whole. Their accomplishments serve as inspiration and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Māori people.-
Most Famous Maori Celebrities
Maori people are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed significantly to various fields, including the entertainment industry. Here is a list of famous celebrities from Maori roots:
- Cliff Curtis: Cliff Curtis is a renowned actor who has appeared in many international films, including “The Dark Horse,” “Whale Rider,” and “Training Day.” He is of Maori and Spanish descent and has received critical acclaim for his versatile performances.
- Temuera Morrison: Temuera Morrison is a celebrated actor, known for his role as Jango Fett in the “Star Wars” prequel trilogy. He has also appeared in films like “Once Were Warriors” and “Aquaman.” Morrison has Maori, Scottish, and Irish ancestry.
- Keisha Castle-Hughes: Keisha Castle-Hughes gained fame at a young age for her role in the film “Whale Rider,” in which she portrayed a Maori girl determined to become a chief. She has since appeared in notable projects such as “Game of Thrones” and “The Almighty Johnsons.”
- KJ Apa: KJ Apa rose to prominence for his portrayal of Archie Andrews in the TV series “Riverdale.” He was born in New Zealand and has both Maori and European heritage. Apa’s talent and good looks have earned him a large following worldwide.
- Taika Waititi: Taika Waititi is a highly acclaimed filmmaker, actor, and comedian. He co-directed and starred in the vampire mockumentary “What We Do in the Shadows” and directed the critically acclaimed films “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” Waititi’s talent and wit have made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.
These celebrities from Maori roots have not only showcased their talent but have also played significant roles in raising awareness about Maori culture and indigenous representation in the entertainment industry.
Presented above is a compilation of esteemed celebrities with Maori heritage, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and outstanding achievements. If you crave a deeper understanding of the latest updates on celebrity news and noteworthy figures from various spheres, you are encouraged to explore further resources available to you. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of renowned personalities and stay informed about the current happenings in the celebrity realm.
Factsheet About Maori People
| Demographic | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Total population | 777,839 |
| Percentage of New Zealand’s population | 16.5% |
| Region with the largest Maori population | Auckland |
| Region with the highest Maori percentage | Northland |
| Gender distribution | 51% female, 49% male |
| Median age | 24 years old |
References to the Maori Ethnic Group
Here are some references to dig deeper about Maori ethnicity:
- Wikipedia: Māori people – This Wikipedia page provides a comprehensive overview of the Māori people, including their history, culture, language, and contemporary issues.
- Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand: Māori – Te Ara is an authoritative online encyclopedia dedicated to New Zealand’s history and culture. Their Māori section explores various aspects of Māori life, traditions, and identity.
- Māori Television: About Māori – Māori Television is a New Zealand television station that focuses on Māori content. Their website offers insights into Māori culture, language, customs, and contemporary Māori perspectives.
- Māori.org.nz – This website is a valuable resource for learning about Māori culture, language, traditions, and history. It provides comprehensive information on various topics related to the Māori people.
- Te Papa Tongarewa: Māori – Te Papa Tongarewa is New Zealand’s national museum, and their website offers a range of resources on Māori culture, including articles, videos, and collection highlights.
These references will provide you with a wealth of information and insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Māori people.
That concludes the information we can provide about famous Maori individuals. Thank you for reading.
