A Special Book
Imagine holding a book in your hands that tells the story of who you are—not just in words, but in images that bring your pepeha to life. A pepeha book is more than a collection of names and places; it is a personal taonga, a way to celebrate identity, connection, and belonging. Whether it’s a gift for a child, a declaration of support for Te Tiriti o Waitangi, or a visual reminder of your tūrangawaewae, a well-crafted pepeha book engages both the mind and heart.
Why Create a Pepeha Book?
A pepeha book is a beautiful and meaningful way to learn and remember your pepeha. While repetition helps us memorise words, images and photographs connect us emotionally, making the learning process richer and more intuitive. The human brain responds powerfully to visual storytelling—by including photos of your maunga, awa, marae, or a tupuna rongonui (renowned ancestor), your pepeha becomes more than just words on a page; it becomes a lived experience.
For tāngata whenua, this book can honour whakapapa and keep cultural knowledge alive for future generations. For tāngata Tiriti, it can serve as a declaration of their relationship to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reinforcing their role as treaty partners and their commitment to Aotearoa.
How to Build Your Own Pepeha Book
A visit to an art store a stationery shop can present a wide range of artistic supplies to choose from. The scrapbooking section can have lots of little artefacts to attach as adornments. Children on the other hand can be quite creative at creating their own embellishments to their pepeha book.
1. Start with Your Pepeha
Write your pepeha out clearly. If it’s for a child, you might simplify it so they can learn it easily. If you’re tangata Tiriti, your pepeha urutau (adaptive pepeha) can include your connection to the place you now call home and your commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
2. Gather Meaningful Images
A great pepeha book blends words and visuals to tell a deeper story.
Here are some ideas for images:
A photo of your maunga – The mountain that stands as your ancestor.
An image of your awa or moana – The waters that nourish and connect you.
A picture of your marae or whenua – The land that holds your roots.
A depiction of a tupuna rongonui – An ancestor who represents your whakapapa.
Symbolic elements – If direct images aren’t available, use artistic representations, drawings, or maps.
3. Design Your Pages with Care
Each page should reflect the mana of your pepeha.
Use:
Simple layouts that highlight both text and images.
Bold, readable fonts so the words stand out clearly.
Colours that reflect your whenua – Greens for the land, blues for the waters, earthy tones for connection.
4. Add Personal Touches
Make your pepeha book unique by including:
Stories or memories connected to each place in your pepeha.
Whakataukī (proverbs) that inspire and reflect your journey.
Handwritten notes or illustrations to give it warmth and personality.
5. Print and Share Your Taonga
Your pepeha book can be printed professionally or handmade as a scrapbook. It makes a meaningful gift for children, helping them understand their identity from a young age. For tāngata Tiriti, displaying their pepeha book in their home sets an example for guests, showing respect and commitment to the kaupapa of Te Tiriti.
A Living Document
A pepeha book isn’t just a one-time project—it can grow and evolve as your understanding deepens. As whānau move, learn, and connect, new layers of meaning can be added.
Final Thoughts
Creating a pepeha book is a powerful act of identity, belonging, and relationship. It’s more than a learning tool—it’s a celebration of who you are and where you stand in the world. Whether it’s for yourself, your tamariki, or as a statement of Treaty partnership, this book becomes a taonga, reminding us that our stories are woven together in the land, the waters, and the people of Aotearoa.
What will your pepeha book look like?
Start today and create a taonga to treasure for generations to come.
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