Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

tangata-whenua

noun

/tɑːŋətə ˈfɛnʊə/

Definition

A Māori term meaning ‘people of the land’, referring to the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Examples

The tangata-whenua have a deep spiritual connection to their land.
In discussions about land rights, the perspectives of the tangata-whenua must be taken into account.
Cultural practices are often influenced by the beliefs of the tangata-whenua.

Meaning

Tangata-whenua describes the relationship between Māori people and their ancestral lands. It signifies the importance of land (whenua) to Māori identity and culture.