Embracing Dual Narratives: Pepeha Māori and Pepeha Urutau in Building Kotahitanga
In Aotearoa New Zealand, identity is woven from the threads of history, land, and language. Traditionally, the pepeha Māori has served as a powerful declaration of self—an introduction that connects an individual to their ancestors, their whenua (land), and the natural landmarks that define their tribal identity. Today, as our society grows more diverse, a new narrative form—the pepeha urutau—has emerged. This adapted approach allows tāngata Tiriti (non-Māori New Zealanders) to share their personal identity stories while engaging respectfully with te ao Māori, ensuring that the mana of the original pepeha Māori is both acknowledged and protected.
Pepeha Māori: A Traditional Identity Narrative
The pepeha Māori is much more than a simple introduction.
It is a deeply rooted practice that:
Connects People to the Land: By naming mountains, rivers, and other natural landmarks, it reinforces the profound relationship between Māori and their environment.
Honors Whakapapa: It emphasizes genealogy, linking individuals to their ancestors and tribal heritage.
Embodies Spiritual and Cultural Values: Each element of the pepeha carries significance, serving as a reminder of the responsibilities, stories, and traditions passed down through generations.
This narrative form is central to Māori identity and is intrinsically tied to the values and history of the indigenous people of New Zealand.
Introducing Pepeha Urutau: An Inclusive Approach
The pepeha urutau represents a thoughtful evolution in how New Zealanders can express their identity:
Respectful Adaptation: While it draws on the structure of the traditional pepeha, the pepeha urutau is tailored for tāngata Tiriti. This adaptation ensures that non-Māori can share their personal stories without overstepping cultural boundaries.
Acknowledgment of Te Tiriti o Waitangi: By incorporating elements of Māori tradition in a respectful manner, it demonstrates a commitment to honoring the Treaty principles and acknowledging the foundational place of te ao Māori in our national story.
Cultural Integrity: This new approach safeguards against cultural appropriation, ensuring that the traditional pepeha Māori retains its rightful mana while inviting a broader spectrum of New Zealanders to participate in the shared narrative of identity.
Similarities and Differences
Both pepeha Māori and pepeha urutau serve as vehicles for storytelling and identity, yet they operate within distinct cultural frameworks:
Similarities:
Narrative Structure: Both forms use a structured approach to introduce oneself, drawing on references to natural landmarks, ancestry, and connections to place.
Cultural Expression: Each provides a medium to express values, heritage, and one’s place within a larger community.
Storytelling: They harness the power of oral tradition, grounding individual identity in a wider cultural narrative.
Differences:
Cultural Context: The pepeha Māori is inherently tied to indigenous whakapapa and the lived experience of tāngata whenua, while the pepeha urutau is an adapted version that allows tāngata Tiriti to respectfully engage with this tradition.
Purpose and Use: The traditional pepeha is a declaration of one’s indigenous identity and history. In contrast, the pepeha urutau enables non-Māori New Zealanders to share their own identity story, acknowledging both their connection to New Zealand and the importance of te ao Māori.
Safeguarding Mana: The pepeha urutau is designed to give rightful mana to the original tradition, ensuring that cultural elements are not misappropriated but rather celebrated in a way that fosters respect and understanding.
Fostering Kotahitanga Through Shared Identity
The introduction of the pepeha urutau is a significant step toward kotahitanga—the unity and togetherness that underpin New Zealand as a nation. By enabling all New Zealanders to tell their stories in a manner that honors the traditions of te ao Māori, this approach:
Encourages Mutual Respect: It creates space for both indigenous and non-indigenous narratives, affirming the importance of cultural protocols and shared heritage.
Builds Inclusive Communities: When people from different backgrounds adopt an identity narrative that respects Māori traditions, it strengthens the bonds between tāngata whenua and tāngata Tiriti.
Advances a Unified National Identity: Embracing dual narratives not only enriches our understanding of what it means to be New Zealanders but also reaffirms our collective commitment to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Conclusion
The evolution from a one-size-fits-all approach to a dual narrative model—honouring both the pepeha Māori and the pepeha urutau—is a powerful reflection of New Zealand’s journey toward inclusion and mutual respect. By providing tāngata Tiriti with a respectful means to express their identity, we move closer to a future where kotahitanga is more than an ideal—it becomes the lived reality of every New Zealander. In this shared space of narrative, history, and land, we find the strength to build a nation that celebrates diversity while standing united under the common values of respect, heritage, and togetherness.
Comments