* Māori is a cultural identity, not a religion. While Māori have their own beliefs and spiritual practices, they don't constitute a formal religion with membership.
* The term "adherent" is usually used for religious groups. It doesn't accurately reflect the complex relationship people have with their cultural heritage.
* Māori identity is fluid and diverse. Many people with Māori ancestry may not actively practice all aspects of the culture, while others identify strongly with their heritage even if they don't live in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
Instead of trying to count adherents, it's more accurate to look at:
* The Māori population: According to the 2018 New Zealand census, there were 827,100 people who identified as Māori. This figure doesn't include people who may have Māori ancestry but don't identify as Māori.
* Māori language speakers: This number is lower, as many Māori have lost fluency in te reo Māori, the Māori language.
* Engagement with Māori culture: There are many ways people can connect with their Māori heritage, from participating in cultural events to learning te reo Māori to practicing traditional crafts.
It's important to understand that Māori culture is a vibrant and dynamic entity, constantly evolving and adapting. Focusing on specific numbers can be misleading and doesn't capture the true richness and complexity of Māori identity.