Through appropriate questioning, it was interesting to observe how akonga could focus on social issues/ideas and local events relevant to this Transitional Phase and how they relate to life today.
As we explored the wider significance of whakatauki, student discussion was strengthened. Furthermore, student engagement was high as we delved into stories about tangata whenua and compared aspects with today. There has been wide discussion and wonderings to attempt to understand the skills nga tupuna needed to survive as they faced social/economic and environmental challenges and how strong and resilient nga tupuna were.
Exploring the concept of whakapapa and oral traditions, as land in Aotearoa became more valuable, allowed akonga to identify as Proud to be Maori and to recognise the importance of Whakapapa and stories passed down. They are learning to understand who they are and how their ancestors came to be here as well as how important their connection to land is.
I too have a better understanding of the role of Matauranga Maori in survival and daily life (past to present) and have found a wealth of available resources, which enables us to gather evidence to help answer questions about the past.
Ko Rahiri Te Tupuna (approx 1475-1585)
Ngapuhi ancestry can be traced back to Rahiri, a formidable Rangatira and fighter. Born in Whiria, he first married Āhuaiti who lived at Pouerua. Uenuku was their son. Time passed and Rahiri married Whakaruru from Pakanae and they had a son Kaharau.
There are hapū variations of the story regarding the two sons and the Tuhoronuku which came to rest near Kaikohe.
A well-known whakatauki is what Rahiri said to his sons...
Ka mimiti te puna i Taumārere
Ka tōtō te puna i Hokianga
Ka tōtō te puna i Taumārere
Ka mimiti te puna i Hokianga
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