I'm a New Arrival to Aotearoa
Moving to Aotearoa offers a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions while honoring your own heritage. One beautiful way to do this is through the pepeha—a traditional Māori introduction that weaves together stories of the land, ancestry, and community. For non‐Māori newcomers, or those descended from immigrants (tangata Tiriti), there is a respectful adaptation called the pepeha urutau. This version acknowledges your unique journey and the cultures that have shaped you.
Understanding Pepeha and Pepeha Urutau
Traditionally, a pepeha is a narrative introduction that includes:
Local Landmarks: Mountains (maunga), rivers (awa), or other natural features that hold significance.
Tribal Affiliations: Connections to iwi (tribe) and hapū (sub-tribe).
Whakapapa: A recounting of your genealogy and ancestral ties.
For tangata Tiriti, however, the pepeha is adapted into a pepeha urutau. This version:
Honors Māori Cultural Practices: It shows respect for local traditions without claiming affiliations that aren’t yours.
Incorporates Your Background: It allows you to integrate elements from your homeland alongside local references.
Builds Bridges: By sharing aspects of your personal journey and cultural heritage, you create a connection between your past and your new home.
An Example of a Pepeha Urutau
Below is an example of a pepeha urutau crafted by someone who is tangata Tiriti. Notice how it weaves together elements from both Aotearoa and the immigrant’s heritage:
Ko Kōtarani tōku whakapaparanga mai.(My heritage comes from Kōtarani.)Ko Ētinipara te wāhi i whānau mai au.(Ētinipara is the place where I was born.)Ko Ētinipara te wāhi i tipu ake au.(Ētinipara is also the place where I grew up.)Ko Ahitereiria tētahi atu wāhi i tipu ake au.(Australia is another place where I grew up.)Ko Te Kāreti o Ētinipara i ako au.(I attended the kindergarten in Ētinipara.)Ko Te Kāreti o Poihākina tētahi atu kura i ako au.(I also learned at the kindergarten in Poihākina.)Ko Tāmaki Makau Rau te wāhi e noho ana au inaiānei.(Tāmaki Makau Rau is the place where I currently live.)Ko tētahi mea ngaro ki ahau, ko te kai o Kōtarani.(Something dear to me is the food of Kōtarani.)Ko Hēmi ahau.(I am Hēmi.)
This example illustrates how you can acknowledge your origins, education, and the places that have shaped your life, while respectfully situating yourself in your new community.
Crafting Your Own Pepeha Urutau
Steps For Crafting Your Pepeha Urutau
When developing your pepeha urutau, consider these steps:
Identify Local Landmarks: You might want to begin with elements of Aotearoa that resonate with you. Instead of implying mana whenua status over a landmark, respectfully express your admiration. For example: Example: “Ko Maungawhau te maunga e arohaina ana e au.”(Translation: “Maungawhau is the mountain that I love.”)This phrasing acknowledges the significance of the mountain without claiming indigenous ownership (mana whenua status).
Share Your Heritage: Since you are not claiming traditional Māori whakapapa, respectfully introduce your origins. Mention where you were born, where you grew up, or any other places that shaped your early life. Example: “Ko [Hometown] te wāhi i whānau mai au” or “Ko [Country/Region] te wāhi i tipu ake au.”
Include Your Educational Journey: If relevant, mention significant places of learning from your past. This parallels the way traditional pepeha highlight personal growth. Example: “Ko Te Kāreti o [Place] i ako au.”
State Your Current Connection: Share where you currently reside to show your evolving connection with Aotearoa. Example: “Ko [Locality] te wāhi e noho ana au inaiānei.”
State Your Place of Work or Study Here: Share your place of work or other activity. Share where you currently work in New Zealand. Example: "Ko [Work place] te wāhi e mahi ana au." If you are studying your example could be: "Ko [University/Institute] te wāhi e ako ana au."
Highlight What You Cherish: Add a personal touch by mentioning something meaningful—perhaps a food, practice, or tradition from your heritage that you hold dear. Example: “Ko tētahi mea ngaro ki ahau, ko [Special Element].”
Conclude With Your Name: End your pepeha urutau by stating your name clearly. Example: “Ko [Your Name] ahau.”
Embracing Cultural Exchange
Crafting your pepeha urutau is not just a formality—it’s a celebration of your unique identity. By integrating elements from both your homeland and your new surroundings, you honor the tradition of storytelling and create opportunities for meaningful cultural exchange. Whether you are introducing yourself in a community meeting, at work, or in a social setting, your pepeha urutau is a respectful nod to the local customs of Aotearoa while also affirming the rich tapestry of your personal background.
If you’re ever uncertain about the appropriate phrases or structure, consider reaching out to local Māori cultural advisors or community groups. They can offer guidance to ensure your introduction is both authentic and respectful.
Final Thoughts
Stepping into a new cultural setting is a journey of discovery and connection. The pepeha urutau offers a beautiful way to introduce yourself—blending the spirit of Aotearoa’s indigenous traditions with the unique narrative of your own heritage. Embrace this opportunity to tell your story, and in doing so, contribute to the rich, shared mosaic of New Zealand.
Welcome to Aotearoa, and may your pepeha urutau open doors to understanding, friendship, and a deep sense of belonging. He mihi ki a koe.
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