Based on in-depth research and interviews with 30 tribal elders, this guidebook to whaikorero--or New Zealand's traditional Maori oratory--is the first introduction to this fundamental art form. Assessing whaikorero's origin, history, structure, language, and style of delivery, this volume features a range of speech samples in Maori with English translations and captures the wisdom and experience of the Maori tribal groups, including Ngai Tuhoe, Ngati Awa, Te Arawa, and Waikato-Maniapoto. Informative and noteworthy, this bilingual examination will interest both modern practitioners of whaikorero and Maori culture aficionados.