EMBRACING YOUR IDENTITY: A GUIDE TO CRAFTING YOUR PEPEHA URUTAU

I'm a New Arrival to Aotearoa

Moving to Aotearoa offers a unique opportunity to connect with local traditions while honouring 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 as well as places that have shaped you.

Understanding Pepeha and Pepeha Urutau

Traditionally, for tāngata whenua or indigenous people 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 or people who are not indigenous, however, the pepeha is adapted into a pepeha urutau (adapted pepeha). 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 For Someone Born Overseas

Below is an example of a pepeha urutau crafted by someone who is tangata Tiriti and born overseas. Notice how it weaves together elements from both Aotearoa and the immigrant’s heritage

• Ko Kōtarani tōku whakapaparanga mai. (My heritage comes from Scotland.)

• Ko Ētinipara te wāhi i whānau mai au. (Edinburgh is the place where I was born.)

• Ko Ētinipara te wāhi tuatahi i tipu ake au. (Edinburgh is the first place where I grew up.)

• Ko Te Kāreti o Ētinipara i ako au. (Edinburgh College is where I studied.)

• Ko Ahitereiria tētahi atu wāhi i tipu ake au. (Australia is another place where I grew up.)

• Ko Te Kāreti o Poihākina tētahi atu kura i ako au. (The College of Sydney is another school where I studied.)

• Ko Tāmaki Makau Rau te wāhi e noho ana au inaiānei. (Auckland is the place where I currently live.)

• Ko Waipapa Taumata Rau te whare wānanga e ako ana. (The University of Auckland is where I study.)

• Ko Ngāti Whātua te manawhenua o reira. He mihi ki a rātou. (The indigenous people there are the Ngāti Whātua. I acknowledge them.)

• Ko tētahi mea ngaro ki ahau, ko te kai o Kōtarani. (Something dear to me is the food of Scotland.)

• Ko Hēmi ahau. (I am James.)

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 If You Were Born Overseas

When developing your pepeha urutau, consider these steps:

1. Identify Landmarks here and/or overseas that are significant to you: 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: “Ko Maungawhau te maunga e arohaina ana e au.” (Translation: “Mt Eden is the mountain that I love.”) This phrasing acknowledges the significance of the mountain without claiming indigenous ownership (mana whenua status). You may include landmarks from your homeland since they may be significant to your people. Ko [Mountain] te maunga o tōku whenua kāinga." “[Translation: [Mountain] is the mountain of my homeland.]”)
   

2. Share Your Heritage: Since you are not claiming traditional Māori whakapapa, respectfully introduce your origins. For example: Ko [Heritage/Ancestry] tōku whakapaparanga mai." “[Translation: [Heritage/Ancestry] is my heritage.]”)
   

3. Places here or overseas you have experienced are important. Mention where you were born, where you grew up, or any other places that shaped your early life. For example: “Ko [Hometown] te wāhi i whānau mai au,” “[Translation: [Hometown] is the place where I was born.]”) or “Ko [Country/Region] te wāhi i tipu ake au.” (Translation: “[Country/Region] is the place where I grew up.]”)
   

4. Include Your Educational Journey: If relevant, mention significant places of learning from your past. This parallels the way traditional pepeha highlight personal growth. For example: “Ko Te Kāreti o [Place] i ako au.” “[Translation: The college of [Place] is where I studied.]”)
   

5. 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.” “[Translation: [Locality] is the place where I live now.]”)
   

6. 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." “[Translation: [Work place] is the place where I work.]”) If you are studying your example could be: "Ko [University/Institute] te whare wānanga e ako ana au." “[Translation: [University/Institute] is the place where I study now.]”)
   

7. Acknowledge something indigenous in the place where you live, work, or study. Your growing knowledge will be shown when you pay respect to something to do with the local people where you live. For example: Ko [Local tribe] te manawhenua o reira." “[Translation: [Local tribe] have indigenous status there.]”)
   

8. 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].” “[Translation: Something that I miss is [Special Element].]”)
   

9. Conclude With Your Name: End your pepeha urutau by stating your name clearly. Example: “Ko [Your Name] tōku ingoa.” “[Translation: [Your name] is my name.]”)

There are many variations. You may have only lived in Aotearoa and your ancestry is overseas. You may have lived overseas as well as in Aotearoa. You may have grown up in a number of places. You may have been born overseas but grown up here or in a number of overseas places. You will need to decide what to include in your pepeha urutau. But one certainty is that your name always comes last.

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.