What is your Whakapapa? | ContextResponse.com

Whakapapa. While whakapapa is about the recitation of genealogy – lineage or ancestry – it also literally means to 'place in layers' or 'create a base'. It places our people in a wider context, linking us to a common ancestor, our ancestral land, our waterways and our tribal (and sub-tribal) groupings.

Likewise, what is the purpose of Whakapapa?

"Whakapapa" is to place in layers, lay one upon another. Hence the term Whakapapa is used to describe both the recitation in proper order of genealogies, and also to name the genealogies. The visualisation is of building layer by layer upon the past towards the present, and on into the future.

Additionally, how do I find my iwi? If you know the name of your iwi or hapū, you can start by contacting your iwi rūnanga/the mandated iwi organisation and asking for information on those that share your family name. Google is your friend. The kūmara vine works fast – you might be in touch with someone quicker than you think.

One may also ask, what can Whakapapa be understood as?

Whakapapa is defined as the "genealogical descent of all living things from the gods to the present time. "Whakapapa links all people back to the land and sea and sky and outer universe, therefore, the obligations of whanaungatanga extend to the physical world and all being in it".

What does Whakapapa mean in New Zealand?

Whakapapa is the core of traditional mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge). Whakapapa means genealogy. Other Māori terms for genealogy are kāwai and tātai. Kauwhau and taki refer to the process of tracing genealogies. East Coast elder Āpirana Ngata explained that whakapapa is 'the process of laying one thing upon another.

Why is mihi important?

For Māori, saying mihi/pepeha is an important way of making connections with others and understanding more about where a person is from. Within both mihi/pepeha we acknowledge the mountain and river we identify most with, where we come from and where we live now, who our whānau are, and finally our name.

Why is a Pepeha important?

Pepeha is a way of introducing oneself. Everyone has a pepeha which links them to their ancestors. It's like a story that connects you to your waka, your hapū and iwi. It identifies important places like your maunga, awa and marae.

How do you pronounce Whakapapa?

Whakapapa. The Maori pronunciation of Wh- as F- is one that trips up most visitors the first time around, but once you realise your mistake it is quickly cemented in the brain. As a place, Whakapapa is a ski area located on the north side of Mount Ruapehu.

What is your iwi?

Iwi. The largest political grouping in pre-European Māori society was the iwi (tribe). This usually consisted of several related hapū (clans or descent groups). The hapū of an iwi might sometimes fight each other, but would unite to defend tribal territory against other tribes.

Why are mountains important to Maori?

In New Zealand, mountains, or maunga, are held in the utmost regard and are considered the highest order of sacred. The spiritual connection of Māori to maunga dates back hundreds of years, and their holistic attachment to the land is why they are so fervently respected.

What does whanau mean in New Zealand?

Whānau. Whānau (Māori pronunciation: [ˈfaːna?]) is a Māori-language word for extended family. It is sometimes also used in New Zealand English, particularly in official publications.

Why is Whakapapa an important concept in te ao Maori?

The importance of Whakapapa Karetu describes whakapapa as the glue that connects individuals to a certain place or marae, locating them within the broader network of kin relations. This in turn creates a sense of turangawaewae or belonging.

What is Kaupapa M_firxam_#257;ori theory?

Kaupapa Māori theory asserts a position that to be Māori is normal and taken for granted. Te reo Māori (the Māori language), matauranga Māori (Maori knowledge), tikanga Māori (Māori custom) and ahuatanga Māori (Māori characteristics) are actively legitimated and validated.

What does a kaitiaki do?

Kaitiaki is a New Zealand Māori term used for the concept of guardianship, for the sky, the sea, and the land. A kaitiaki is a guardian, and the process and practices of protecting and looking after the environment are referred to as kaitiakitanga.