From He Kōrero:

We know that our teachers in schools throughout New Zealand are calling out for teaching resources in te reo Māori or about kaupapa Māori. Our mission as part of this project is to help fill that gap. We have worked with Grant and Gaynor Hakaria who have decades of teaching experience in mainstream, bilingual, and immersion settings. With their support we have created a suite of resources for each of our animations to support kaiako, teachers and parents to pass on the learnings in our pūrākau to tamariki in kura and at home.

These rauemi can be adapted to suit all learning levels, and can be delivered in any setting. They are designed to learn and reinforce the key vocabulary, characters and main ideas from the pūrākau. The teacher notes suggest curriculum links and possible further exploration.

Please follow this link to access the resources.

More details on each episode...

Episode 1: Makō at Ōpōkihi

This episode tells the story of Makō from Ngāti Kurī and the battles that took place in Kaikōura when Ngāti Kurī arrived in the region. The battle at Ōpōkihi was a significant historical event for Ngāti Kurī, particularly for Makō.

Ngāi Tahu link: This episode highlights the early settlement of Ngāti Kurī, a hapū of Ngāi Tahu, in the Kaikōura region, which is an important part of Ngāi Tahu's migration and establishment in Te Waipounamu (the South Island).

Episode 2: Tapatapawhenua

This episode recounts how Ngāti Kurī led the Ngāi Tahu migration to Te Waipounamu, establishing themselves in Kaikōura under their chief Marukaitātea. It focuses on how Ngāti Kurī chiefs Makō, Te Rakiwhakaputa, and Te Ruahikihiki claimed lands for their people.

Ngāi Tahu link: This episode is crucial to understanding the early settlement patterns of Ngāi Tahu in Te Waipounamu and how different chiefs established their mana over various areas, shaping the future tribal boundaries and relationships.

Episode 3: He Iti Matā

This episode depicts the story of Te Rākaitauheke (Ngāti Kurī) and Tapu (Ngāti Kahungunu), who were rivals in Te Whanganui a Tara (Wellington Harbour). It narrates how their conflict escalated, leading to far-reaching consequences for Te Rākaitauheke and his people.

Ngāi Tahu link: This story illustrates the complex inter-tribal relationships and conflicts that were part of Ngāi Tahu's history, particularly during their migration and settlement periods.

Episode 4: Pūharakeketapu

This episode focuses on Marukaitātea, a prominent Ngāti Kurī chief, and his wives from Ngāti Kahungunu. It explores how inter-tribal marriages helped build relationships but also caused conflicts, as seen when Maru's uncle killed a relative of his wives, leading to potential retaliation.

Ngāi Tahu link: This episode highlights the importance of strategic marriages in Ngāi Tahu's history and how these alliances could both strengthen and complicate inter-tribal relationships.

Episode 5: Te Huataki

This episode tells the story of Te Huataki, who lived in Te Whanganui-a-Tara but accidentally ended up in Te Waipounamu while fishing. His experiences there and his return journey sparked interest among his people to explore the new land.

Ngāi Tahu link: This story is significant in Ngāi Tahu history as it relates to the early exploration and discovery of Te Waipounamu, which eventually led to the migration and settlement of Ngāi Tahu in the South Island.

Episode 6: Pūraho

This episode narrates how Ngāti Kurī, led by Pūraho, moved from Te Whanganui-a-Tara to Kaihinu Pā in Te Waipounamu due to growing tensions. It also touches on the conflicts they faced in their new home and how Pūraho's son, Marukaitātea, had to determine their future course.

Ngāi Tahu link: This episode is crucial in understanding the motivations behind Ngāi Tahu's migration to Te Waipounamu and the challenges they faced in establishing themselves in new territories.

Episode 7: Hinerongo and Tūteurutira

This episode recounts a conflict between Ngāti Kurī and Rangitāne, during which Hinerongo, a Ngāti Māmoe woman, was captured. Tūteurutira, a Ngāti Kurī chief, returned her to her people, leading to an opportunity for peace and new alliances.

Ngāi Tahu link: This story illustrates the complex relationships between Ngāi Tahu and other iwi in Te Waipounamu, particularly Ngāti Māmoe, and how these relationships evolved through conflict and reconciliation.

Episode 8: Ngā Utanga o te Waka

This episode tells the story of the waka Araiteuru, which brought kūmara and taro to Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu. It describes the waka's journey, the challenges it faced, and how its cargo became part of the landscape.

Ngāi Tahu link: While not directly about Ngāi Tahu, this story is part of the broader creation traditions that Ngāi Tahu shares with other iwi, explaining the origins of important food sources and landmarks in their rohe (territory).

Episode 9: Tūtohu Whenua

This episode also focuses on the waka Araiteuru, elaborating on how it shaped the landscape of Te Waipounamu. It describes how the waka capsized and how its crew and cargo transformed into significant landmarks, including Aoraki and Kā Tiritiri o te Moana.

Ngāi Tahu link: This episode is crucial to Ngāi Tahu's creation traditions, explaining the origins of major landmarks in their territory, particularly Aoraki (Mount Cook) and the Southern Alps, which are central to Ngāi Tahu's identity and connection to the land.

Ōtākaro Kahui Ako

Resource: Ngāi Tahu developed resources and animations

Ōtākaro Ako

Links