Traditional Māori physical activity is distinguished by a Māori cultural definition understood through mātauranga, with shared whakapapa to atua, and practiced through tikanga.

Despite a rich understanding and practice of Māori physical activity in a pre-European era, the violent colonial experience in Aotearoa has resulted in a dominant view of physical activity that marginalises Māori perspectives and approaches.

In this kōrero Te Miri will discuss the findings of his Masters research that investigates the traditional Māori beliefs, values and practices of physical activity and their relevance today. He will touch on the key themes that emerged through a kaupapa Māori analysis of interviews, pūrakau and whakataukī.

Join us to hear about what characterises Māori physical activity; the ways in which mātauranga informs the beliefs, values and practices of physical activity for Māori; and how these are relevant for Māori physical activity today.