Tikanga is a Māori term for Māori law, customary law, attitudes and principles, and also for the indigenous legal system which all iwi abided by prior to the colonisation of New Zealand. Te Aka Māori Dictionary defines it as "customary system of values and practices that have developed over time and are deeply embedded in the social context ...

1. (noun) correct procedure, custom, habit, lore, method, manner, rule, way, code, meaning, plan, practice, convention, protocol - the customary system of values and practices that have developed over time and are deeply embedded in the social context .

Tikanga are more than just ‘rules’. They are best described as a form of social control and can guide the way relationships are formed, provide ways for groups to interact, and even guide the way people identify themselves. Tikanga inform frameworks that address ethical issues.

What is Tikanga? Tikanga (formal) is a Māori concept set around customary practices and principles. Tikanga is made up of two words - 'tika' meaning correct, and 'ngā', which is the plural of something. As a whole word, 'Tikanga' means 'the right way or thing to do at any given time' and 'all things that pertain to being right'.

Generally speaking, tikanga are Māori customary practices or behaviours. The concept is derived from the Māori word ‘tika’ which means ‘right’ or ‘correct’. So, in Māori terms, to act in accordance with tikanga is to behave in a way that is culturally proper or appropriate.

Tikanga, or societal lore within Māori culture, can best be described as behavioural guidelines for living and interacting with others. Tikanga tends to be based on experience and learning that …

2025年1月28日 · The term tikanga comes from the Māori language of New Zealand. It is derived from tika, meaning “right,” “correct,” or “just.” Tikanga encompasses concepts of morality, behavior, and cultural norms, deeply rooted in Māori tradition and history.

In particular, we have considered how mātauranga Māori and pūrākau inform understandings of tikanga and provided a brief overview of the meaning and application of the core tikanga concepts identified by the Commission.

2024年8月14日 · There is a need for deeper and more thoughtful consideration of the status of tikanga as ‘law’ in New Zealand, as suggested by the recent and excellent Law Commission paper on tikanga (NZLC-SP24).

2018年9月1日 · Upon reflection, the principles or Tikanga (being the right way of doing something) of Tapu and Noa which exist around cutting harakeke was based on what is practical. In today’s terms, we call this best practice or safe work habits but I don’t want to minimise this notion to a term like best practice or safe work habits.