PEPEHA-Ā-WHARE & TE TIRITI: INSTITUTIONAL IDENTITY & TE TIRITI

INTRODUCTION

In Aotearoa, identity is deeply tied to relationships—relationships with whenua, tangata, and history. One of the most enduring ways Māori express identity is through pepeha, a statement that connects an individual to their whakapapa, tūrangawaewae, and community. Traditionally, pepeha are personal, but as our social and economic landscapes evolve, so too does the way we articulate identity.

This evolution has given rise to pepeha-ā-whare, or institutional pepeha, a way for organisations, businesses, institutions, and government agencies to express their identity, values, and relationships. Just as individuals use pepeha to establish their place in the world, institutions can also articulate their connections—to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to Māori communities, and to their role in Aotearoa.

Many New Zealand institutions want to demonstrate their connection to Aotearoa and te ao Māori, yet they often struggle due to a lack of understanding or insights into te ao Māori. Pepeha-ā-whare provides an essential starting point on this journey—and it is a journey. Creating a pepeha-ā-whare is just the beginning, albeit a crucial one. Many organisations do not realise that they already have an inherent connection to Aotearoa through Te Tiriti o Waitangi—the silent elephant in the room.

Once institutions embark on the journey of developing their pepeha-ā-whare, they begin to unlock deeper layers of understanding about their role and responsibilities within Aotearoa. This process enables them to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of New Zealand and build relationships with Māori organisations and businesses, knowing that their fundamental connection is through Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

WHAT IS A PEPEHA-Ā-WHARE?

A pepeha-ā-whare tells the story of an institution by identifying key elements that define its identity.

This might include:

• Founding stories – Legendary or defining moments in the institution’s history.

• Geographical connections – The place where the institution was established or operates.

• Values and guiding principles – How these align with tikanga Māori or broader societal commitments.

• Relationships with tangata whenua – Particularly in relation to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This kind of pepeha is becoming increasingly relevant as businesses, organisations, and government agencies strengthen their relationships with Māori communities and align their practices with Te Tiriti.

The Role of Pepeha-ā-Whare in Honouring Te Tiriti

As the Māori economy grows and partnerships with iwi, hapū, and Māori-led businesses increase, institutions must consider how they present themselves in these relationships.

A pepeha-ā-whare can serve as a meaningful statement of intent, reinforcing an organisation’s commitment to:

• Understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Recognising its role in shaping relationships between Māori and the Crown, as well as businesses operating in Aotearoa.

• Engaging with Māori businesses and organisations – Strengthening whanaungatanga in economic and social partnerships.

• Supporting te reo Māori and cultural revitalisation – Many government entities are already committed to language revitalisation, and businesses that wish to engage meaningfully with Māori communities can demonstrate their commitment through the language and tikanga they uphold.

Pepeha for Digital Institutions: Pepeha-ā-Hiko

As institutions evolve, some exist entirely in the digital space. Whether they are online learning platforms, digital businesses, or virtual communities, these institutions also have whakapapa, kaupapa, and relationships that define them. A pepeha-ā-hiko is an adaptation of the institutional pepeha concept for digital spaces, acknowledging their place within the global, virtual landscape.

A pepeha-ā-hiko might include:

• Origins of the platform – Where and how it was created.

• The digital community it serves – Its users and contributors.

• Core values and purpose – What drives the organisation.

• Commitment to Te Tiriti and Māori engagement – How it interacts with Māori knowledge systems in the digital space.

This ensures that even digital institutions can express their identity in a way that honours relationships and cultural responsibilities.

Examples of Pepeha-ā-Whare

A university might include its founding stories, its connection to mana whenua, and its guiding values in a pepeha-ā-whare.

For example:

1. Ko te maunga tū hei kaitiaki ko [Maunga o te rohe].The mountain that stands as our guardian is [Local Mountain].

2. Ko te awa e rere mai ana i ngā hītori ko [Awa o te rohe].The river that carries our histories is [Local River].

3. Ko tēnei whare wānanga i whakatūria hei pou mātauranga mō te iwi.This university was established as a pillar of knowledge for the people.

4. Ka herea mātou ki Te Tiriti o Waitangi hei tūpapa mō tō mātou hononga ki ngā iwi katoa.We are bound by Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation of our relationships with all peoples.

Similarly, a business operating in the Māori economy might acknowledge its guiding values and relationships with Māori-led enterprises.

A digital institution using a pepeha-ā-hiko might say:

1. Ko te pūnaha ipurangi tēnei i whānau mai i [Tau Whakatūnga].This digital platform was born in [Year of Founding].

2. Ko te hunga whakamahi tō mātou whānau, ko te mātauranga tō mātou kaupapa.Our users are our family, and knowledge is our purpose.

3. Ko Te Tiriti o Waitangi te mea e herea ana mātou, ahakoa kei te ao matihiko.The Tiriti o Waitangi, is the thing that holds us true, even in the digital world.

Why Pepeha-ā-Whare and Pepeha-ā-Hiko Matter

A pepeha-ā-whare or pepeha-ā-hiko is more than just words—it is a way for institutions to articulate their place within the wider landscape of Aotearoa. It signals an understanding that businesses and organisations do not operate in isolation; they exist within a network of relationships that include tangata whenua, the land, and the wider community.

As more institutions develop their own pepeha-ā-whare and pepeha-ā-hiko, we move closer to an environment where relationships with Māori are based not only on transactions but on deep, meaningful connections rooted in history, place, and shared values.

Conclusion

The desire of many institutions to demonstrate their connection to Aotearoa and te ao Māori is a positive step, but without deep understanding, it can remain superficial. Pepeha-ā-whare and pepeha-ā-hiko provide a crucial foundation for institutions to embark on this journey in a meaningful way.

By developing and using their own institutional pepeha, organisations can acknowledge their place within the cultural and economic landscape, fostering deeper connections with Māori communities, businesses, and knowledge systems. In doing so, they contribute to a future where relationships are based on mutual respect, understanding, and shared aspirations.

Pepeha are not just about stating who we are—they are about recognising who we are in relation to others. For institutions, this means understanding that their fundamental connection to Aotearoa is through Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Embracing this connection through pepeha strengthens the bonds that weave us together as a nation, ensuring that institutions do not just claim a place in Aotearoa, but truly belong to it.