Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero.The food of chiefs is dialogue.
Introduction
Pēpeha are more than an introduction; they are a gateway to identity, history, and relationships. In our modern educational landscape, schools have a unique opportunity and obligation to teach pēpeha correctly, ensuring that all children—both Tāngata Whenua and Tāngata Tiriti—can articulate their place in Aotearoa in a meaningful and accurate way. Historically, schools were instruments of government assimilation policies, suppressing Māori language and identity. However, we are now in a time of revitalisation, where embracing te ao Māori enriches all students, schools, and communities.
This blog post explores the why, when, how, and who of teaching pēpeha whakarite, pēpeha Māori, and pēpeha urutau in schools, outlining the obligations schools have and the benefits this brings to students, educators, boards of trustees, communities, and the nation.
Why Teach Pepeha in Schools?
Understanding pēpeha fosters a deep sense of identity, belonging, and respect.
Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi – Teaching pēpeha recognises the commitments of schools to uphold Te Tiriti and ensures that all students, Māori and non-Māori alike, develop cultural competency and a sense of partnership.
Strengthening Identity – For Māori students, pēpeha reaffirms their whakapapa and connection to their whenua. For non-Māori students, pēpeha urutau (adapted pēpeha) provides a way to respectfully express their relationship to Aotearoa without misappropriating Māori identity.
Encouraging Inclusivity – When taught correctly, pēpeha bridge cultural gaps, encouraging students to appreciate different worldviews and foster respectful relationships.
Enhancing Communication Skills – Learning how to articulate one's place in the world strengthens confidence, public speaking, and storytelling skills.
When Should Schools Teach Pepeha?
Pepeha should not be a one-off lesson but an integrated part of the curriculum from early childhood through to secondary school.
Early Childhood & Primary: Basic pēpeha structures can be introduced through storytelling, song, and play.
Intermediate & Secondary: Students can explore deeper layers, including pēpeha whakarite (structured pēpeha), historical migrations, and how pēpeha relate to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
School-Wide & Community Engagement: Regular pēpeha sharing in assemblies, pōwhiri, and student-led initiatives embeds its significance into school culture.
How Should Pēpeha Be Taught?
Authentic and accurate teaching of pēpeha requires thoughtful approaches:
Collaboration with Māori Experts – Schools should work alongside local iwi, kaumātua, mātanga, and kaiako Māori to ensure pēpeha teaching is accurate and respectful.
Differentiation Between Pēpeha Māori and Pēpeha Urutau – Māori students should be supported in using their ancestral pepeha, while non-Māori students should be guided in developing a pepeha urutau that respects the original intent of pepeha without misrepresentation.
Integration Across Subjects – Pēpeha can be woven into history, geography, English, and social studies, making it a living practice rather than a standalone exercise.
Mathematics & Science: It is crucial to integrate te ao Māori into these subjects, where Māori learners often face barriers. Mathematics can incorporate traditional Māori measurement systems, navigation techniques, and whakapapa-based patterns in fractals and sequences. Science can explore mātauranga Māori, including astronomy (Matariki), environmental sustainability (kaitiakitanga), and traditional medicinal practices (rongoā). By embedding pēpeha and Māori knowledge into these disciplines, schools can create a more inclusive learning environment that encourages Māori students to excel in these fields and pursue further education in STEM subjects.
Accounting, Business Studies, and Economics – The Māori economy is a growing and significant contributor to Aotearoa’s financial landscape. Schools should encourage Māori students to engage with business and financial literacy by integrating Māori perspectives into these subjects. This includes understanding kaupapa-based business models, Māori land trusts, the principles of kaitiakitanga in sustainable business, and how pēpeha relate to Māori enterprise. By including te ao Māori in commerce-related subjects, we can equip students with the tools to thrive in the Māori economy and contribute to their whānau and communities.
Languages – Pēpeha can also be considered in the context of other languages, giving students a new perspective in language learning. By exploring pēpeha in different linguistic frameworks, students can develop deeper cross-cultural understanding and strengthen their appreciation of both te reo Māori and other languages.
School Policies and Professional Development – Educators must receive proper training to teach pēpeha (note the macron means plural-there are different types of pepeha) correctly and confidently.
Who Benefits from Teaching Pēpeha?
Teaching pēpeha benefits students, schools, boards of trustees, communities, and the nation as a whole:
Students develop confidence, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging.
Schools build stronger relationships with whānau Māori and contribute to an inclusive learning environment.
Boards of Trustees uphold their governance responsibilities by ensuring culturally responsive policies and curricula.
Communities strengthen intergenerational connections and encourage cultural pride.
Aotearoa as a Nation moves further along the path of bicultural partnership, reconciliation, and national identity.
Setting Aotearoa Apart
The global educational landscape rarely includes a practice as deeply personal, historical, and relational as pēpeha. Unlike other national curricula, which often focus solely on individual identity, the teaching of pēpeha in Aotearoa fosters a sense of collective belonging and responsibility. Our schools have the opportunity to showcase how an education system can honour Indigenous identity while promoting inclusivity and unity. By embedding pēpeha into our curriculum, we position Aotearoa as a global leader in culturally responsive education.
Conclusion
Teaching pēpeha correctly is not just an educational responsibility—it is a commitment to the future of Aotearoa. Schools have an obligation to move beyond the shadows of assimilation and into an era of revitalisation, equity, and partnership. By empowering children with the knowledge of pēpeha whakarite, pēpeha Māori, and pēpeha urutau, we are equipping them with a foundation that strengthens their identity, enriches their communities, and enhances the nation’s cultural fabric.
As the whakataukī reminds us, “Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero”—the food of leaders is dialogue. Let us ensure that our schools nurture this dialogue, providing every child with the ability to speak with confidence, respect, and a true sense of belonging in Aotearoa.
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