Toko and His Pepeha Troubles: Why This Little Book Is a Big Step for the Classrooms of Aotearoa

Introduction

In classrooms across Aotearoa, many students are learning to recite their pēpeha whakarite - a structured way of introducing themselves that connects them to place, ancestry, and belonging.

Ideally, Māori students are learning their pēpeha Māori, grounded in whakapapa and their ancestral connections to maunga, awa, iwi, and hapū. And Tāngata Tiriti students are learning their pēpeha urutau - a respectful adaptation of the pepeha whakarite that allows them to honour their identity and background while acknowledging they are not tangata whenua.

But this ideal is not always the reality.

For many years, the teaching of pēpeha whakarite in schools has been shaped by a one-size-fits-all template. This template often requires all students to name a mountain, a river, and an iwi, regardless of whether these connections are appropriate or accurate for them. This can unintentionally put Māori students in uncomfortable situations and lead Tāngata Tiriti students to unknowingly misappropriate a form of self-introduction that belongs to a different worldview.

That’s Where Toko Comes In

Toko and His Pepeha Troubles is a short, illustrated storybook offering much-needed course correction. It tells the story of a young boy, Toko, unexpectedly called upon to speak on a school trip to a local marae. The usual speaker is unwell, and Toko is thrust into the role at the last minute.

Toko is not familiar with speechmaking in te ao Māori. He doesn’t know much tikanga or Māori culture. He doesn’t even know his own pēpeha Māori, so he struggles to introduce himself properly, or to speak in a way that acknowledges his ancestors. Though he knows he is tangata whenua, he has no real understanding of what that means. He does his best, but his performance is disappointing, and his grandparents are not pleased.

But rather than blaming Toko, they reflect honestly on what has happened. They recognise that neither they nor their school has properly educated him in Tikanga Māori and that this neglect stands in contrast to the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

So, they decide to take action. They guide Toko on a magical journey into his identity as tangata whenua through his pēpeha whakarite - that is, his true pēpeha Māori. Along the way, they help him understand not just the content of his pēpeha, but the cultural world it expresses. They then contrast this with the world of the Tāngata Tiriti, helping Toko see and honour their differences.

By the end of his journey, Toko has reclaimed his identity and gained the humility and confidence to help others on their journeys. He even goes on to teach Tāngata Tiriti students at a school conference. His grandparents, once concerned, are now full of pride at the growth, understanding, and leadership he has shown.

Two Types of Pēpeha Whakarite: A Teaching Moment

The book introduces an essential distinction within pēpeha whakarite:

• Pēpeha Māori - for those with whakapapa to iwi, hapū and whenua.

  
  

• Pēpeha Urutau - for Tāngata Tiriti, adapted respectfully to honour their identity without explicitly or implicitly claiming Māori whakapapa.

The story gently challenges the old one-size-fits-all approach by guiding readers through this difference. It offers a new way forward - one that respects the integrity of Māori tradition while creating space for everyone to connect meaningfully.

For Teachers: A Practical Resource with Real Impact

Using Toko and His Pepeha Troubles in the classroom helps teachers meet their professional expectations, including:

• Demonstrating a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

  
  

• Affirming Māori learners as tangata whenua

  
  

• Teaching pēpeha whakarite in a culturally appropriate, accurate, and empowering way

The story also creates natural opportunities for discussion, reflection, and identity work - all while providing evidence for teacher appraisal and registration.

Keeping the Tradition Alive - and Accurate

The beauty of this book is that it doesn’t shy away from complexity. It meets it with aroha, clarity, and a touch of humour. By showing students how to create their own correct and respectful pēpeha - whether Māori or urutau - we keep the tradition not just alive, but thriving.

Let’s help our tamariki (children), our kaiako (teachers), and our hāpori (communities) say the right words - and understand why they matter.

Toko and His Pepeha Troubles is now available at digitaliwi.com - with special pre-order pricing.