Learning Intentions
We are learning to order pepeha and mihimihi lines, speak them clearly, and support each other respectfully.
Pepeha Relay Game
A low-pressure team activity for practising order, pronunciation, listening, and support before students present their own pepeha or mihimihi.
Success Criteria
I can sort a sequence, read it aloud, explain the meaning of each card, and give feedback that protects mana.
What to print
Print one card bank per team and one score sheet per student or group. Cut cards before the relay begins.
Privacy rule
Use practice names and place examples unless a student clearly chooses to use their own information. No student has to share iwi, hapū, waka, or whānau information in a game.
Group size
Teams of 3-5. One speaker, one listener, one card sorter, and one coach. Rotate roles each round.
Materials
Cut-up relay cards, one score sheet, pencils, and a clear space for each team to sort their cards.
Success looks like
Correct order, clear pronunciation attempt, respectful correction, and accurate explanation of what each line means.
How to play
Round 1: Sort
Teams race gently to put the cards into a sensible pepeha or mihimihi sequence. They must be able to explain the order.
Round 2: Speak
The speaker reads the sorted cards aloud. The listener checks for missing words and supportive pronunciation feedback.
Round 3: Swap
Teams swap one card with another team and adapt the sequence. They explain what changed and why.
Round 4: Reflect
Each student writes one line they can say confidently and one line they still need to practise.
Cut-out relay cards
OpeningTēnā koutou katoa.
MaungaKo ______ tōku maunga.
AwaKo ______ tōku awa.
WakaKo ______ tōku waka.
IwiKo ______ tōku iwi.
HapūKo ______ tōku hapū.
PlaceNō ______ ahau.
WhānauKo ______ tōku whānau.
NameKo ______ tōku ingoa.
ClosingNō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.
Mihimihi optionE mihi ana ki ______.
Learning optionKei te ako tonu au i tēnei wāhanga.
Team score sheet
| Round | Team evidence | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Sort | Our sequence makes sense because... | Order checked |
| Speak | One pronunciation we improved was... | Supportive feedback used |
| Swap | When the card changed, we adapted by... | Meaning explained |
| Reflect | My strongest line is... My next practice line is... | Reflection complete |
Curriculum alignment
- Learning Languages — Pāhekoheko · Emergent 1: “Pepeha follow a specific structure made up of key elements that each serve a purpose in expressing identity, belonging, and whakapapa.”