A pepeha is a powerful way to introduce yourself, connecting you to place, people, and history. For Māori, a pepeha affirms whakapapa, tracing lineage through mountains, rivers, iwi, hapū, and marae. However, for those who are not Māori—Tāngata Tiriti—using a pepeha requires careful thought. Simply copying a template without understanding its depth can lead to misrepresentation or unintended appropriation.
A well-explained pepeha template helps ensure that Tāngata Tiriti can engage respectfully, acknowledging their place in Aotearoa while recognising the different cultural contexts in which they stand. Without a clear explanation, people may unknowingly claim connections that are not theirs to make, missing the opportunity to build authentic relationships with Māori and the land they now call home.
Pepeha Urutau: A Thoughtful Approach for Tāngata Tiriti
Instead of using the standard Māori pepeha format, a pepeha urutau (adapted pepeha) allows Tāngata Tiriti to introduce themselves in a way that respects the significance of whakapapa while situating themselves within Aotearoa. Here’s an example:
Pepeha Urutau for a Tāngata Tiriti
Ko te moana nui a Kiwa te moana.
(The Pacific Ocean is my ocean.)
Ko Ingarangi te whenua i whānau ai au.
(England is the land where I was born.)
Ko te awa o Thames tōku awa i tipu ai au.
(The River Thames is the river where I grew up.)
Ko Ngāti Pākehā te iwi.
(My people are Pākehā.)
Ko te Tiriti o Waitangi te hononga ki Aotearoa.
(The Treaty of Waitangi is my connection to Aotearoa.)
Ko Tāmaki Makaurau te wāhi e noho ana ahau ināianei.
(I now live in Auckland.)
This version acknowledges personal heritage while recognising the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in forming a connection to Aotearoa. It respects Māori ways of introducing oneself without assuming whakapapa ties that are not present.
Why This Matters
By providing a good explanation alongside a pepeha template, we empower Tāngata Tiriti to engage meaningfully with te ao Māori. It ensures that pepeha is not just a formula but a reflection of genuine relationships—with people, places, and history. It also fosters greater cultural understanding, strengthening the partnership envisioned in Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Let’s make sure that every pepeha shared is informed, authentic, and respectful. A well-explained pepeha template isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge to deeper connections.
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