OUR CULTURE
Tikanga
Welcome
He mihi maioha tēnei ki a koutou mai i tata, mai i tāwhiti, nau mai, haramai ki Aotearoa, ki Te Upoko o te Ika a Māui.
E tino hari koa te ngākau, kua tae a tinana mai koutou ki tē wānangananga nei. Ko te kaupapa: Whānau Ora: E tuitui ai te Mātauranga Māori ki te hauora a Tauiwi kia puāwai te katoa āke tonu atu.
We extend a warm welcome to you all, to New Zealand and to Wellington. We are excited to have you here at WONCA 2026. The theme is ‘Whānau Ora: Integrating Mātauranga Māori, indigenous knowledge, with rural health for a thriving future.’
We hope to give you an in-depth understanding of the cultural fabric of Aotearoa - New Zealand, along with the many considerations and challenges health providers face in rural settings.
Ngā mihi nui
Peter Jackson, Kaumātua to Hauora Taiwhenua
Intro to our culture
Aotearoa New Zealand Culture: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Aotearoa New Zealand's culture is a vibrant tapestry woven from its indigenous Māori heritage and the diverse influences of European, Pacific, and Asian communities. At its heart is a deep respect for nature, reflected in the country's strong environmental values and outdoor lifestyle. The Māori concept of whanaungatanga (kinship and connection) shapes social relationships, while manaakitanga (hospitality) is central to everyday life. Kiwis are known for their laid-back attitude, creativity, and strong sense of community. From haka performances to contemporary art, rugby matches to film festivals, Aotearoa New Zealand culture celebrates both tradition and modernity in a uniquely inclusive way.
Key words and phrases
As you explore Aotearoa New Zealand, you’ll quickly notice that everyday conversations are sprinkled with unique expressions that reflect the country’s rich Māori heritage and laid-back Kiwi spirit. From warm greetings to quirky slang, these words offer a glimpse into the values, humour, and lifestyle of the locals.
Here are some key terms and phrases to help you feel right at home in Aotearoa.
- Kia ora – Hello / Thank you / Good health
- Haere mai – Welcome
- Aotearoa – New Zealand (literally “Land of the Long White Cloud”)
- Whānau – Family (often extended family or close community)
- Mana – Prestige, authority, spiritual power
- Pounamu – Greenstone/jade, highly valued in Māori culture
- Haka – Traditional war dance, often performed at sports events
Read more about our kiwi languages and slang words here.
Resources
Curious about local culture? Having the right resources at your fingertips makes all the difference. This section brings together essential guides, helpful links, and practical tools designed to support international visitors and newcomers alike.
From language tips and cultural insights to travel planning and community connections, explore everything you need to feel informed, confident, and connected in Aotearoa.
Learn More
Interested in learning more? The following link can provide you with insights into Aotearoa New Zealand’s culture, history and country.
Introducing yourself Pepeha
Take the pepeha challenge 😊
In Aotearoa New Zealand a pepeha is a traditional Māori introduction that shares a person’s identify and connections to the land, ancestors and community. It’s a way of establishing belonging, honouring heritage and fostering connections with others.
A pepeha is said at the beginning of a meeting following a karakia.
If you are attending meetings or workshops whilst you are in Aotearoa New Zealand you may like to share your pepeha.
Download our app, Tātai Whetū, which will guide your through writing and speaking your pepeha.
Tūhono Ākonga | Connecting Students
Students of Rural Health Aotearoa are hosting a buddy programme around the Rural WONCA conference. International students can buddy up with a local student to learn more about our culture, be supported in speaking te reo and acknowledging our tikanga. Students will be able to meet up virtually prior to the conference and then in person in Wellington or around Aotearoa should they decide to take a tiki tour.
Students interested in being part of the programme can learn more be contacting Ashley Darbyshire Ashley.darbyshire@htrhn.org.nz