A question I heard recently has been sitting with me: can tikanga evolve in a modern world? It came up during a kōrero between a group of tauira, and it sparked a lot of reflection for me about what I’ve been taught and how I understand tikanga today. For many people, tikanga is seen as something fixed in the past, but that view misses an important truth about how tikanga actually works.
At its core, Tikanga is about doing what is tika. The word tika means right, correct, or just. Tikanga refers to the values and principles that guide behaviour and help us decide what the right thing to do is in a given situation. These principles shape how we relate to people, places, and the environment.
Because tikanga is grounded in principles rather than rigid rules, it has always had the ability to adapt. The world our tūpuna lived in is very different from the one we live in today. Our lives now involve universities, cities, technology, and global connections. Yet the idea of doing what is tika or what is “right” continues to guide how we navigate these spaces.
You can see this in everyday examples.
Take fishing as an example. Tikanga teaches us that the right thing to do is not to take more than we need. Acting with balance and responsibility ensures that there will still be resources for future generations. This principle reflects an understanding that our actions should consider not just ourselves, but those who come after us.
In practice, this might look like only taking enough kai for the occasion, leaving smaller fish to grow, or allowing certain areas time to recover. The actions may differ depending on the place and the people, but the guiding principle remains the same: acting in a way that is tika.
You can also see this in how we treat shared spaces. Tikanga reminds us to act with respect and care for the places we gather. A simple example is removing shoes before entering a whare. On the surface it may seem like a small gesture, but it reflects deeper values about respect, cleanliness, and maintaining the dignity of a space that is shared with others.
These examples show that tikanga is not about following rules simply because they have always been done that way. Instead, it is about understanding the principles behind our actions and applying them in ways that are appropriate for the situation.
So, can tikanga evolve in a modern world? The answer is yes. It always has. The circumstances around us may change, but the idea of doing what is tika remains constant. That ability to respond to new situations while staying grounded in core values is what allows tikanga to continue living and breathing today.
Tauira Māori on Campus
Tuesday – Te Whakahiapo Study Wā
6pm – 8pm | MSB.0.22
Wednesday – Te Waiora Cultural Hour
1pm – 2pm | Ko Te Tangata
Thursday – Te Kāuru Study Wā
3:30pm – 5:30pm | Pā.B.05
Te Waiora Hākina Day
4:30pm | Gate 2B Fields
Reo Māori Phrase of the Week
This week we’re looking at some easy ways to say goodbye in te reo Māori. Perfect for using with friends, whānau, or around campus.
• Hei ākuanei (hay ah-koo-ah-nay) – see you soon / later
• Ka kite / Ka kite anō (kah kee-teh / kah kee-teh ah-naw) – see you / see you again
• Hei konā (hay koh-nah) – see you later / goodbye
• Mā te wā (mah teh wah) – see you later / until another time
