A Pepeha, A Whakapapa, A Tūrangawaewae
With the idea that ahi kā and tino tūrangawaewae remain alive, it is important for Māori people to consider structuring their pepeha according to the appropriate context. These days, we often hear many Māori speak of multiple iwi that they are connected to, which connects them to numerous waka. This reflects the richness of whakapapa, a treasured inheritance. However, we must ask: How do we express this connection to our ancestors in a way that upholds the principles of ahi kā and tino tūrangawaewae?
Ahi Kā and Tino Tūrangawaewae
Ahi kā refers to the fires that continue to burn in a place, symbolising continuous occupation and active participation in the affairs of a hapū or iwi. Tino tūrangawaewae is the place where one feels the deepest sense of belonging and identity. In earlier times, this was a simpler concept: a person identified with the iwi of the land they resided in, as they actively engaged in its tikanga, reo, and affairs.
Today, the way Māori live has changed. Many have moved to urban centers, living far from their ancestral lands. This has made it easier to claim multiple iwi affiliations, but it can also make it difficult to articulate a strong tūrangawaewae within a single pepeha.
The Importance of Structuring Pepeha
By considering context, we can structure our pepeha to reflect our tūrangawaewae in a meaningful way.
Here’s one possible approach:
Primary Pepeha – This is the main pepeha that expresses your strongest connection—your tūrangawaewae—the iwi and hapū you are most engaged with, where you understand the tikanga and reo. This is the pepeha used in significant contexts, such as formal gatherings, tangihanga, and iwi events.
Additional Pepeha – If you have connections to other iwi, you can use different pepeha depending on the situation. For example, if you are participating in an event specific to another iwi you belong to, you can use a pepeha relevant to that iwi. Alternatively, you might simply acknowledge those connections in speech rather than trying to include all iwi in a single pepeha.
Context Matters
A pepeha is a statement of identity and mana, and it should reflect your tūrangawaewae appropriately. Using different pepeha based on context helps clarify relationships with different iwi while preserving the integrity of ahi kā and tino tūrangawaewae. This approach also ensures that future generations understand their true tūrangawaewae without confusion.
Conclusion
Whakapapa is a treasure, and so is pepeha. However, context and tūrangawaewae help us present these treasures in a meaningful way. Instead of listing every iwi we connect to in one pepeha, we should use a primary pepeha and, where appropriate, different pepeha for different contexts. This allows us to honor our connections to our ancestors while maintaining authenticity and clarity.
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