The Impact of New Media on Māori Culture and Belief Systems

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to explore the transitional process of Maori communication systems from the traditional oral and iconic to the written processes
of the colonising peoples. The combination of the knowledge economy (within the broad scope of “New Media”) and the increasing desire for establishment of cultural identity, have many implications, including the notions of networking, guardianship and self-determination.

This paper explores the overall impact of new media on Mäori culture and belief systems and concludes that Mäori culture has strong cultural bases that  provide a framework for operating efficiently and successfully within the area of “New Media”. The transition to first, a written, then a technological system for transference of knowledge has not been without problems, but Mäori are now in a transitional state and ready to participate in the global “knowledge  economy”, to utilise this new media in a culturally safe and supportive way.