The meaning of Hawaiki in Maori oral traditions is paramount. The use and suggestion of Hawaiki as a homeland for Māori is seen in the many forms of oral traditions often used by Māori and then recorded upon the arrival of European settlement later in time. By first addressing what is considered an oral tradition, and then addressing what, who, or where Hawaiki is, we can identify the importance that Hawaiki holds within the oral tradition. According to the definition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, oral traditions are “the tradition (traditional knowledge and beliefs) of cultures that have no written record”. language. It is transmitted by word of mouth, just like literature, in prose and songs, myths, dramas, rituals, proverbs, riddles, etc. Almost all known peoples, today and in the past, have produced it. Therefore, we know that Māori oral traditions include, but are not limited to, karakia (prayer), whaikōrero (formal speech or oratory), whakatauki (proverbial speech), waiata (song) and pakiwaitara ( stories and mythology). Traditions, particularly in Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), are about passing on, retaining or remembering knowledge and information. Another extremely important aspect of oral tradition, particularly for Māori, is communication. Karakia is the communication between the people and Atua. Whaikōrero is used today as a means of communication between tangata whenua (people of the land) and manuhiri (visitors) at a marae. Waiata is multifaceted and can be a form of communicating opinions, emotions and sharing with others while being remembered for generations to come. An example of this still occurs today at our nationwide Kapa Haka festivals, such as Te Matatini, whose mission statement is "To foster, develop and protect Kapa Haka middle of paper..... New Zealand". Waiata Maori. New Zealand Folk Songs, December 2006. Web. April 29, 2014Shirres, Michael. “Māori Theology.” Home page. Internet. April 30, 2014.Tamehana, Hohepa. “Il Kakano Ahau, je Ruia Mai je Rangiātea”. New Zealand Folk Songs, updated October 20, 2007. Internet. A4 April 2014Te Ahukaramū, Charles Royal. 'Hawaiki', Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 9 November 2012. Internet. April 29, 2014 Te Ahukaramū, Charles Royal. "Hawaiki - The Significance of Hawaiki", Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 15 November 2012. Internet. April 29, 2014Whakatane District Council. 'History'. Internet. May 1. 2014.