Structure: Large kinship groups connected through whakapapa (genealogy) to common ancestors.
Paramount chief with spiritual and political authority. Often hereditary through senior whakapapa lines.
Chiefs who led hapū and made major decisions affecting the iwi through consultation and consensus.
Decision-making: Hui (assemblies) where all adults could speak. Decisions reached through whakatōhea (collective discussion) until consensus.
Structure: Extended family groups sharing resources and territory. The primary political unit of daily life.
Leaders chosen for wisdom, skill, and ability to serve collective wellbeing. Could be male or female.
Elders whose wisdom guided decision-making. Respected for their knowledge and experience.
Responsibilities: Managing resources, resolving disputes, organizing work, defending territory, maintaining relationships with other hapū.
Structure: Extended families including grandparents, parents, children, and close relatives.
All adults responsible for all children. Decisions made considering impact on next seven generations.
Customary practices that guided daily behavior and relationships within the whānau.
Important: These systems were sophisticated, democratic, and sustainable. They successfully governed Māori society for over 600 years before colonization.
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