Whakapapa — genealogy, connection, and the layering of relationships — is the foundational framework through which Māori understand identity, place, and responsibility. In this opening lesson, ākonga explore the pepeha as a living statement of who they are and where they stand in the world.
Video: Māori Origins and Identity
Begin every lesson with a karakia to centre the class and signal that this is a place of learning and respect. The kaiako leads; ākonga join in once they are familiar with the words.
Whakataka te hau ki uta,
Whakataka te hau ki tai.
Kia mākinakina ki uta,
Kia mātaratara ki tai.
E hī ake ana te atakura.
He tio, he huka, he hau hū.
Tūturu o whiti whakamaua kia tīna. Tīna!
Hui e! Tāiki e!
Cease the winds from the west, cease the winds from the east. Let the breeze blow over the land, let the breeze blow over the sea. Let the red dawn come with a sharpened air. A touch of frost, a touch of snow, a touch of misty wind. Let the sky above become fixed and clear. It is done!
Kaiako note: This waiata-ā-ringa is widely used in NZ schools. If your school has its own karakia, use that. Consistency across the unit helps ākonga internalise the practice. Invite a local kaumātua or te reo speaker to teach the correct pronunciation if possible.
Kaiako action: Write and speak your own pepeha using the template below. If you are non-Māori, model a turangawaewae statement instead — this shows all ākonga there is a valid path for them too.
Ko [maunga] te maunga
Ko [awa] te awa
Ko [waka] te waka
Ko [iwi] te iwi
Ko [hapū] tōku hapū
Ko [marae] tōku marae
Ko [tipuna] tōku tīpuna
Ko [ingoa] tōku ingoa
Mountain · River · Canoe · Tribe · Sub-tribe · Meeting ground · Ancestor · My name
Distribute the pepeha template worksheet (or display on screen). Ākonga work individually at their own pace.
Use the traditional pepeha structure. If ākonga don't know all their whakapapa details, that's okay — write what you know and leave space. They can ask whānau to fill in gaps as a homework kōrero.
Sensitivity note: Some whānau situations are complex. Never require ākonga to share information they are uncomfortable with. The pepeha is theirs — they decide what to share in class.
Turangawaewae means "a place to stand" — a place that gives you identity and belonging. All people have places and ancestors that shape who they are.
Phase 1 — Pair sharing (5 min): Ākonga share their pepeha with a partner. Partners listen carefully and ask one question about what they heard.
Phase 2 — Class circle (10 min): Arrange chairs in a circle if possible. Each ākonga says their name and one line from their pepeha. Kaiako starts. This is not a performance — it is whakawhanaungatanga, the act of making connections between people.
Ākonga write a short individual reflection (3–5 sentences). Provide the prompt on board or worksheet.
"Ko tōu whakapapa, ko tōu turangawaewae — your whakapapa and your turangawaewae tell the story of who you are. What did you learn about yourself today? What questions did today's lesson make you want to ask your whānau?"
This week, ask a parent, grandparent, uncle, or auntie: "Can you tell me about our maunga and awa? Where does our whakapapa come from?" Record what you learn — notes, voice memo, or video. Bring it to the next lesson.
For families unsure of whakapapa: Ask about the country, region, or town that feels most like "home" across the generations. That is your turangawaewae.
Create a visual pepeha — a poster, digital image, or illustrated page — that includes your pepeha/turangawaewae and a drawing or photo of your maunga, awa, or kāinga. These will be displayed in the classroom as a class whānau wall.
Unuhia, unuhia, unuhia ki uta rā.
Kia wātea, kia māmā.
Āe rā. Āe rā. Āe!
Remove, remove, remove to the shore. So that we are free and lightened. Yes indeed!
Ākonga finish this lesson with a clearer sense of where they come from — and why that matters. The pepeha is not homework: it is a living practice. In te ao Māori, knowing your whakapapa is knowing yourself.
"Ko au ko te awa, ko te awa ko au." — I am the river, and the river is me.