Yep I do. Im a maori/australian and have lived in both countries for equal amounts of times. I grew up immersed in maori culture.
I say get a dvd of once were warriors and whale rider that will give you an insight in to real maori families. My family were not like the family in once were warriors but we did know lots of extended families exactly like it. My family are more traditional such as portrayed in whale rider.
I haven't really searched it on the net so I cant refer you to any sites but if i look can probably find what your after.
Basically in the maori family they are very organised tribal people. The land is divided up among tribes and still is today.
In a basic family structure you have a patriarchial system. Loads of respect for your elders. So you got the grandparents they are revered for their wisdom and just cos they are older than you. They are the glue to the family, which by the why is called whanau. (far-no)
They basically have a say on what goes on in maori affairs such as funerals, weddings, unveilings (celebration of the headstone), christenings, gatherings etc. They guide the rest of the family on how to do things according to maori tradition and appeasing of dead ancestors.
They have what is called a marae which is like local community centre. These maraes are among all tribes. This is where the gatherings take place and is very sacred ground hence the need for the elders to guide the families on matters regarding to the above mentioned.
My nana was our head of our main clan since nana pa passed away over all her children and their families to do with maori traditions. But having said that in our immediate family you have the father the head of his house, women and girls to take on the traditional roles such as cook and cleaning, have babies etc and the boys to go off and do boys stuff. Times have changed not so rigid but dad is still respected for being head, mums now more outspoken does what she wants lol modern mari.
Back to the marae tho the men and women have very defined roles and will take a long time to change. Due to sacredness there are things a girl is not allowed to do especially if you are menstruating such as not allowed to swim especially in rivers or the beach, be riding a horse or any other animal, sit on tables. In fact when you have your period it is called mate (mar-te as in ted) which means dead. On the marae the men do the speeches, the women wail and do the calling. In traditional dance again men do speeches, haka, women sing along with men and use the poi. But back in the old days warriors used to use the poi to strengthen their wrist and forearms.
Hope this helps.
Oh its not unusual for families to adopt children as there own like i was raised by my aunt and grandmother. Back in the old days the old women in the village used to look after all the children while the parents went to work, hunter gathering stuff. And that is still a pratice prevelent today. Sometimes I wish mum would take my kids for me and hand them back when they're after they teens lol.
Respect for your elders is the cornerstone in any maori family. I have aunties and uncles few years older than me and we are expected to use the titles aunty such n such or uncle such n such. I dont have a problem with it I love that.