Tikanga is a Māori word that broadly means “the right or correct way of doing things” in a cultural, ethical, and practical sense.

Core meaning of tikanga

  • The word comes from tika , which means “right” or “correct”, so tikanga is about what is considered right, proper, or appropriate.
  • It refers to customary practices, rules, and values that guide how people should behave, relate to each other, and relate to the land and spiritual world in Māori culture.
  • A simple way to think of it: tikanga = “doing things the Māori way” in a manner that is respectful, just, and culturally appropriate.

How people use the word

  • Tikanga can describe:
    • customs and protocols (like pōhiri, tangihanga, hongi, koha).
* etiquette and manners in different settings (e.g., on a marae, in meetings, at gatherings).

* decision‑making that asks “Is this tika (right), pono (true), and done with aroha (kindness)?”
  • In English it can overlap with words like “custom”, “ethic”, “protocol”, “method”, or “code of conduct”, but none of these fully capture its depth.

Tikanga in today’s context

  • Tikanga is still very active today in whānau life, community events, schools, workplaces, and increasingly in law and policy discussions in Aotearoa New Zealand.
  • It helps guide respectful behaviour, maintain balance in relationships, and protect concepts like mana (authority, dignity), tapu (sacredness), and mauri (life force).
  • Different iwi and hapū may have their own specific tikanga, so “the right way” can vary depending on local traditions and context.

In short, when someone talks about “tikanga,” they’re talking about the culturally grounded, right way to act and relate, according to Māori values and customs.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.