Embracing the Full Story: Why Separate Pepeha for Māori and Tauiwi Heritage Matters
In contemporary New Zealand, many of us navigate a rich tapestry of ancestry—a whakapapa that intertwines both our Māori roots and our tauiwi (non‐Māori) heritage. While the focus on revitalising Māori language, customs, and identities has rightly garnered much attention, our non‐Māori ancestry also forms an important part of who we are. Recognising this complexity calls for a thoughtful approach to how we present our identity, especially in the structure of our pepeha.
Understanding Whakapapa and Pepeha
Whakapapa is more than a family tree; it’s the living narrative that connects us to our ancestors, land, and culture. The traditional Māori pepeha serves as a personal introduction, anchoring our identity to the natural world and our iwi (tribe). Historically, the pepeha has centred on our Māori heritage—a critical space where language, place, and identity converge. However, for many Kiwi with mixed whakapapa, this emphasis can inadvertently sideline an equally significant part of their heritage.
The Importance of Revitalising Whakapapa Māori
The revitalisation of Māori culture has been a powerful movement, reclaiming lost narratives and renewing connections to our land and ancestors. For many, engaging deeply with their Māori whakapapa means learning about and celebrating aspects that were once suppressed or overlooked. The pepeha Māori is a vital tool in this process of recovery, reinforcing cultural identity, fostering community connections, and ensuring that our stories and traditions endure.
Honouring Tauiwi Heritage Through a Separate Pepeha Urutau
At the same time, our tauiwi heritage—be it European, Asian, or another background—carries its own history, values, and significance. Often considered the “default” or taken-for-granted aspect of our identity, this side can be overlooked in our everyday narratives.
Creating a separate pepeha urutau provides a respectful and clear way to:
Acknowledge Distinct Narratives: By keeping the Māori pepeha focused on indigenous connections and the pepeha urutau dedicated to non‐Māori lineage, each narrative can be expressed fully without dilution.
Preserve Clarity: Separating the two helps avoid confusion and ensures that each part of our heritage is honoured on its own terms.
Celebrate Wholeness: Recognising both facets of our identity enables a more balanced and complete expression of who we are.
Building a Balanced Identity
For many with mixed whakapapa, balancing dual heritage can be challenging. The creation of two distinct pepeha offers a powerful method to bridge these worlds.
It allows us to:
Express Pride in Both Lineages: Celebrate our Māori heritage with the depth and focus it deserves, while also giving space to the unique histories and contributions of our non‐Māori ancestors.
Maintain Cultural Integrity: By separating the narratives, we respect the unique traditions and values embedded in each heritage, ensuring that neither is overshadowed by the other.
Foster Inclusive Dialogue: This approach encourages discussions that are honest and inclusive, recognising the complexities of modern identity in a multicultural society.
Conclusion
In a nation as diverse as New Zealand, embracing our full whakapapa means honouring every strand of our ancestry. Crafting separate pepeha for our Māori and tauiwi heritage is not about dividing our identity—it’s about celebrating the complete, multifaceted story of who we are. By doing so, we not only maintain the integrity of our cultural traditions but also open up a space for inclusive dialogue, where every part of our history is valued.
Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or sharing your story with others, consider the power of a dual pepeha. It’s a thoughtful, respectful way to ensure that every piece of your heritage shines brightly, contributing to the rich mosaic that is our shared Aotearoa identity.
Comments