There are many types of pēpeha.
Which type is for you?

Pēpeha for Māori are different from
pēpeha for tāngata Tiriti.

Pre-Order Now

Expected Arrival October 2025

Are you confused by pēpeha?

Do you know what pēpeha really are?

Are you new to pēpeha?

We can help.

Did you know that your pēpeha starts with your own culture and heritage.

Structured pēpeha are those with mountain, river, ocean and so on. These are called pēpeha whakarite. There are two types, one for Māori or tāngata whenua and one for non-Māori or tāngata Tiriti. The first type we call pēpeha Māori, the second type we call pēpeha urutau.

Discover the Right Way to Craft Your Pepeha

Toko and the Pēpeha Pathways is a one-of-a-kind book that guides readers through the rich world of tikanga Māori by exploring the significance of the pēpeha whakarite (structured pepeha) - a unique way of introducing oneself in Māori culture. It shows that there are different pēpeha paths for different people. This engaging story makes a vital distinction between the pēpeha whakarite of Tāngata Whenua (the Indigenous people of Aotearoa) and Tāngata Tiriti (non-Māori living in New Zealand under the Treaty of Waitangi).

Many resources today offer a one-size-fits-all approach to pēpeha whakarite, encouraging Tāngata Tiriti to simply follow the format of Tāngata Whenua. This book challenges that approach, offering guidance on how Tāngata Tiriti can create meaningful, respectful pēpeha that honour their own ancestral journeys while recognising the special connection Tāngata Whenua have to the land. Pēpeha urutau are adapted pēpeha whakarite for non-Māori, whereas pēpeha Māori are the original pēpeha whakarite of Tāngata Whenua.

Through Toko's relatable struggles and discoveries, readers will:

Understand the cultural depth of pēpeha whakarite in te ao Māori.
Learn how to craft your pepeha whakarite that reflects your identity - whether you are Tangata Whenua or Tangata Tiriti.
Appreciate the importance of respecting Māori customs and traditions.

Perfect for schools, teachers, parents, families, whānau, institutions, charities, government organisations, international visitors, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Māori culture. Toko and His Pepeha Troubles is an essential resource for learning how to introduce yourself in a way that is authentic, appropriate, and culturally grounded.

GLOSSARY OF IMPORTANT TERMS

Tikanga Māori

Māori culture. Māori way of doing things

The Treaty of Waitangi

An agreement between The Crown and the chiefs of the tribes of New Zealand. The English version of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. These are the founding documents of the nation of New Zealand.

Pepeha

A very local saying or boast known to a group of local people. Pēpeha whakarite are a type of pepeha that connect you to a specific place.

Tāngata Whenua

The people of the land or Māori people.

Pepeha Urutau

An adapted pepeha whakarite for people of immigrant origins, not a copy of a Māori pepeha. Shows connections different to Māori. Unique to people who are not Māori.

Tāngata Tiriti

The people of the Treaty. Those who are in New Zealand because of Te Tiriti | The Treaty as the nation forming document.