ABSTRACT
While kinship and descent remain important bases of association, Maoris also associate with each other, and with Pakehas, in groups formed on other bases, chiefly age, sex, recreational interests, religion and politics. Like kin-groups, these may be informal – neighbourhood, peer and friendship groups – or they may be formally constituted, with a charter defining aims, membership and procedure. Some formal groups are legally registered as incorporated societies or educational and charitable bodies, but many are maintained only by agreement among members.
