Ngā ara whakapapa: genealogy pathways

Whakapapa

He Whakamārama

Whakapapa (genealogy) connects us to the past (our ancestors), the present (people around us now) and the future (your great grandchildren). Whakapapa tells us where we come from and who we are related to, giving us a sense of identity and belonging in this world.

While many Māori don’t feel connected to Māori culture and feel that this knowledge is hard to relate to, learning about and engaging with whakapapa is a foundational platform for our identity as Māori. It may be as little as knowing the name of a person or place, or as much as being fluent – knowing your identity. Knowing Ko wai au? (Who am I?), binds you to your Māori identity. We recite our whakapapa to affirm links with people we know and allow others to connect with us. Learning whakapapa also provides a bridge between us and our elders, acknowledging their wisdom and connection with the past.

Whakataukī

Ko tātou ngā kanohi me ngā waha kōrero o rātou mā kua ngaro ki te pō

We are but the seeing eyes and speaking mouths of those who have passed on.

This whakataukī reminds us that we are a part of those who have gone before us, and that we are their representatives. Therefore we must ensure that we maintain their integrity and mana.

Ngā hua - Benefits

Understanding and engaging in whakapapa kōrero is an important foundational step in identity – Ko wai au? (Who am I?)
Understanding and engaging in whakapapa also helps us feel more connected to the collective beyond whānau, connecting to hapū, iwi, whenua, and waka.
Basic knowledge of whakapapa enables access to activities important for traditional practices in whanaungatanga (creating relationships) like reciting your pepeha.
Understanding whakapapa is also important in mana. It guides the connection to tūpuna and ngā atua Māori through waka, iwi, and hapū whakapapa narratives.

Ngā Ara - Pathways

Learn and say your pepeha.
Create a family tree.
Learn which other iwi travelled on your waka, and find out where they now live. You whakapapa to these iwi through your waka.
Ask your mātua (parents) or tūpuna mātua (grandparents) about their experiences growing up, or memories of their parents and grandparents. You could video or audio record an interview.
Talking to Grandad
An example of learning Whakapapa
Example Oral history questions
Become involved in activities, projects and movements that protect land, culture and whakapapa and those things important to our wellbeing. These things are represented by all the other hihi, like taiao and te reo.
Ask or interview your mātua (parents), tūpuna mātua (grandparents), or kaumātua about the stories and adventures of your tupuna. This is called whakapapa kōrero.