Final answer:
The two official languages of New Zealand are Maori and English. The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people who arrived around the 10th century, and their language is one of the two recognized languages in New Zealand.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two official languages of New Zealand are Maori and English. The Maori are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand who have their language and culture. They were the first inhabitants of the islands, arriving around the 10th century.
Throughout history, the Maori culture has thrived, but following the arrival of Europeans and the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, English became increasingly dominant. New Zealand, once a part of the British Empire, gained its independence in 1901. Today, the Maori language is recognized alongside English, and initiatives such as full-immersion Maori language schools reflect efforts to preserve the Maori heritage and traditions.
Nevertheless, the integration of the Maori into broader New Zealand society has been a complex process, marked by both challenges and celebrations of cultural diversity within urban areas.