taonga

Taonga is a Māori term meaning treasure or treasured possession. It refers to items, places, knowledge, and practices that hold cultural, historical, or personal significance. The concept encompasses both tangible objects and intangible heritage.

In traditional use, taonga tuku iho denotes treasures handed down through generations that carry whakapapa and identity. Tangible taonga can include carved objects, tools, weapons, and pounamu (greenstone), while intangible taonga include te reo Māori (the language), waiata (songs), karakia (prayers), tikanga (customs), narratives, and ecological and cultural knowledge.

In modern contexts, taonga extends to a broad range of heritage and resources that communities regard as integral to their identity. The protection and management of taonga is a central concern in tikanga (culture) and is also recognized in New Zealand’s legal framework, where taonga are acknowledged as property and heritage belonging to iwi and hapū under the Treaty of Waitangi. This recognition covers both material assets and living cultural practices, and it informs policies, settlements, and partnerships aimed at safeguarding these treasures for future generations.

Examples commonly cited include pounamu as a taonga, the Māori language and traditional songs, and significant wāhi taonga (places of cultural importance). The term emphasizes relational stewardship and custodianship, rather than simple ownership, reflecting the enduring connection between people, place, and knowledge.