Exploring our pepeha
Years 3-4
Audience
Our whānau and our local iwi. When we share our local iwi stories and knowledge to a wider audience, there is a greater understanding of tīkanga and the purpose of pepeha as a locator. Whānau are able to relate to the stories of our iwi when we make direct connections to migration stories.
Statement
All of us migrated to Aotearoa to make this whenua our home. Together we are united by Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our shared , lived experiences. We can empathise with each other. Knowing the stories of our whānau and the local iwi empowers us with knowledge to make the best decisions for the future. When we know better, we can do better.
The Challenge
Using the whenua (in the form of clay) to create taonga required both a creative solution as well as a technological solution. Using the local clay, local kiln and our relationships with experts, we were able to craft waka huia to express our whānau stories.
The Solution
We enhanced the mana of our students and our local iwi by sharing the accurate and informative stories of the local whenua. Our community was able to engage in this mahi by reciprocating their own migration stories.
Student Voice
"I am connected to the whenua by being a part of te kawerau ā Maki Rōpu." "I am connected to the whenua because I moved here from Russia. I miss my friends but I love how kind people are in Onekiritea."