''Utu'' is a
Māori concept of reciprocation or balance.
To retain ''
mana
According to Melanesian and Polynesian mythology, ''mana'' is a supernatural force that permeates the universe. Anyone or anything can have ''mana''. They believed it to be a cultivation or possession of energy and power, rather than being ...
'', both friendly and unfriendly actions require an appropriate response, hence ''utu'' covers both the reciprocation of kind deeds, and the seeking of revenge.
''Utu'' can also be used in reference to monetary repayments, paying or repaying.
Cultural references
*
''Utu'', a 1983 New Zealand film loosely based on events from
Te Kooti's War
Te Kooti's War was among the last of the New Zealand Wars, the series of 19th century conflicts in New Zealand between the Māori and the colonising European settlers. It was fought in the East Coast region and across the heavily forested centra ...
"Amazon's "one-click" patent reconsidered"- a modern example of the term's use within New Zealand society
References
External links
An exploration of utu as a legal concept
Māori words and phrases
Māori society
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