Whakataukī | Proverb

"Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua"

I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.

Whakapapa is the genealogical framework that connects us to our ancestors and to all living things. It's not just a family tree - it's a way of understanding our place in the world, our responsibilities to those who came before and those who will come after. Through whakapapa, we honor our tīpuna and understand ourselves.

🌳 Whakapapa - My Family Tree

Unit 1: Te Ao Māori | Years 7-10

📋 Learning Objectives:

  • Understand whakapapa as genealogy and identity
  • Research family history through whānau interviews
  • Create a visual representation of your whakapapa
  • Appreciate the connections between generations

🎤 Whānau Interview Guide

Interview parents, grandparents, or whānau members to gather information:

Names: Full names of parents, grandparents, great-grandparents (as far back as you can find)
Birth Places: Where were they born? Towns, cities, countries
Occupations: What did they do for work? What skills did they have?
Special Stories: Family legends, significant events, cultural traditions
Cultural Heritage: Iwi connections (if Māori), countries of origin, cultural practices

🌳 Your Whakapapa Tree

Tūpuna (Great-Grandparents)

Great-Grandparent 1

Great-Grandparent 2

Great-Grandparent 3

Great-Grandparent 4

Kuia & Koroua (Grandparents)

Grandmother 1

Grandfather 1

Grandmother 2

Grandfather 2

Mātua (Parents)

Mother/Parent 1

Father/Parent 2

Ko Au (Me!)

YOUR NAME

Born: _______

Place: _______

📖 Pūrākau Whānau - Family Stories

Collect at least ONE special story from your whānau history:

Who told you this story?

What is the story about?

Why is this story important to your whānau?

🌟 Extension Challenge

Multi-Media Whakapapa: Create a digital or physical presentation including:

  • 📸 Photos of whānau members (if available)
  • 🗺️ Maps showing places of origin
  • 🎵 Audio recordings of family stories (with permission)
  • 🎨 Artwork or symbols representing family values
  • 📜 Important documents, heirlooms, or taonga