In Te Kore (the void), Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) were locked in embrace. Their children — Tane, Tangaroa, Tu — pushed them apart to create light and space. Tane Mahuta created humans from earth. All life descends through whakapapa (genealogy).

Tikanga Maori (customary law). Mana must be maintained; tapu respected. All beings connected through whakapapa.

To maintain and enhance mana, honor whakapapa (genealogical connections to gods, ancestors, and land), serve as kaitiaki (guardian) of the natural world, and fulfill obligations to whanau (family), hapu (sub-tribe), and iwi (tribe).

Suffering may arise from violation of tapu, loss of mana, disrupted relationships with atua (gods/spirits), or makutu (sorcery). Natural disasters may reflect moods of atua. Utu (reciprocity) involves consequences for transgressions.

No apocalyptic eschatology. After death, the wairua (spirit) travels to Te Reinga then descends to the underworld or joins ancestors. Spirits can return to guide the living. Whakapapa connects past, present, and future.