Unit 1: Te Ao Māori - Cultural Identity & Knowledge Systems

A transformative journey exploring Māori worldviews, values, and knowledge systems

U Unit Overview
1 Whakapapa & Identity
2 Tikanga & Values
3 Mātauranga Māori
4 Arts & Expression
5 Contemporary Te Ao Māori
Unit 1 Lesson 2

šŸŒ± Mātauranga Māori Traditional Knowledge Systems

Ākonga explore how mātauranga Māori preserves environmental, celestial, and wellbeing knowledge through generations. We compare knowledge keepers' methods with Western scientific processes, learning to apply tikanga and attribution when gathering and sharing knowledge.

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Focus Pātai for this wānanga

  • How does mātauranga Māori complement and enhance scientific understanding?
  • What responsibilities do we have when working with traditional knowledge?
  • How can we apply both knowledge systems to address contemporary challenges?
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Learning Intentions

  • We are learning how mātauranga Māori preserves environmental, celestial, and wellbeing knowledge.
  • We are learning to evaluate knowledge keepers' methods alongside Western scientific processes.
  • We are learning to apply tikanga and attribution when we gather and share knowledge.
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Success Criteria (ākonga-facing)

  • I can describe specific examples of mātauranga Māori and its applications.
  • I can compare traditional and Western knowledge systems respectfully.
  • I can explain tikanga requirements when working with traditional knowledge.
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Te Mātaiaho Threads

  • Tangata Whenuatanga Ā· PS3 ā€“ understand different knowledge systems and worldviews.
  • Science | PÅ«taiao ā€“ investigate natural and physical phenomena using multiple approaches.
  • Social Studies | Tikanga-ā-Iwi ā€“ understand how knowledge shapes identity and community.

Effective from: Term 1 2026 Ā· Review: 30 Paengawhāwhā 2026

šŸ‘©ā€šŸ« Teaching Instructions ā€“ Te Kawau ki Tai (Episode 1)

Distribute the Mātauranga Systems Documentary Companion before pressing play. This RNZ episode follows knowledge keepers of Māhuhu o te Rangi and their puna mātauranga.

  • Before viewing: Work through the kupu preview (mana tuku iho, maramataka, puna mātauranga). Ask: ā€œHow is knowledge protected?ā€
  • During viewing: Pause at 2:10, 6:05, 9:45, 12:30. Complete guided prompts for quotes, evidence and tikanga.
  • After viewing: Move directly into the mātauranga station remix and the knowledge braid matrix.
  • Formative checkpoint: Collect kupu tracker strips, quote captures, and braid matrix drafts as Mātainuku artefacts.

Haerenga Ako ā€“ Lesson Flow (75 minutes)

1. Whakawhanaunga & Knowledge Activation (10 mins)

  • Karakia/pepeha as appropriate; reconnect to Lesson 1 by sharing one whakapapa link powering todayā€™s learning.
  • Introduce puna mātauranga mini anchor chart (tÅ«puna, whenua, moana, wānanga).
  • Set the focus question: ā€œHow do knowledge keepers test and protect mātauranga for future generations?ā€

Support: Think-write-share slips for learners who prefer processing time.

2. Guided Viewing ā€“ Te Kawau ki Tai (20 mins)

    Cross-Curricular Applications

    Science

    Compare traditional and modern methods in biology, chemistry, physics investigations

    Mathematics

    Traditional counting systems, celestial calculations, sustainable resource management

    Technology

    Biomimicry design challenges, sustainable innovation projects

    Geography

    Traditional navigation, environmental management, climate indicators

    šŸŒ± Mātauranga Protecting the Future ā€“ Scenario Studio (15 mins)

    Climate Indicator Brief

    Groups select a local issue (e.g., river health, mahinga kai, coastal erosion). Use the companionā€™s Indicator Planner to list traditional signs and Western data you would monitor.

    Note who in the hapori holds knowledge for each indicator and how to engage them respectfully.

    Action Snapshot

    Draft a 3-step response integrating both knowledge systems. Identify the evidence you will collect, who you will report to, and how you will honour tikanga along the way.

    Record a short summary (written or audio) to upload as Mātairea evidence.

    Aromatawai - Assessment

    Station Learning Portfolio

    • Ākonga can document observations from each station, citing kupu Māori and scientific vocabulary.
    • Ākonga can compare traditional and Western approaches, explaining benefits of weaving both systems.
    • Ākonga can link insights to modern applications (e.g., climate resilience, health practices).
    • Ākonga can reflect on how the learning influences their responsibilities as kaitiaki.

    Extension Projects

    • Community interview with kaumātua/experts, summarised as a digital story or poster.
    • Innovation challenge: prototype a solution combining mātauranga indicators and STEM tools.
    • Research project on contemporary indigenous scientists or knowledge keepers.
    • Peer teaching presentation for Tuakana-Teina session at kura.

    šŸ§ŗ Whānau & Hapori Partnerships

    Kōrero Starters

    • Send home the companionā€™s whānau prompt (p.4) with three key pātai about local indicators.
    • Encourage tamariki to capture one marae, awa, or mahinga kai story from whānau.
    • Invite whānau to contribute local data (photos, oral histories) to the scenario studio board.

    Next Steps

    • Schedule a mini hui with iwi environmental unit or council kaitiaki to share scenario findings.
    • Upload whānau insights to the moderation folder with tag U1L2-whanau.
    • Prepare for Lesson 3 by noting haka or waiata connected to environmental stewardship.

    Whakamutunga - Lesson Reflection

    Today we discovered that mātauranga Māori represents sophisticated science developed over centuries. Traditional knowledge systems aren't "old-fashioned" - they're innovative approaches that continue to contribute to solving contemporary challenges. The best solutions often emerge when different knowledge systems work together with mutual respect.

    "Ko te manu e kai ana i te mātauranga, nōna te ao" - The bird that partakes of knowledge owns the world.