Section outline

  • Karakia

    Karakia are often mistaken as prayers but in their true essence, they are ritual chants invoking spiritual guidance and protection. These karakia are poetic and full of beautiful imagery and metaphor and are often difficult to translate into English words. Translations need to be considered more metaphorically.

    With the introduction of Christianity to New Zealand in the 19th Century, new karakia were written to acknowledge the Christian God and Jesus Christ. These karakia have been used since that time, however there is a current move towards using our more traditional karakia (which were often chanted or ‘sung’), which call upon many of our Atua (Gods/guardians) for direction.

    Whakataka te hau Karakia

    Whakataka te hau ki te uru

    Get ready for the westerly

    Whakataka te hau ki te tonga

    and be prepared for the southerly.

    Kia mākinakina ki uta

    It will be icy cold inland,

    Kia mātaratara ki tai

    and icy cold on the shore.

    E hī ake ana te atākura

    May the dawn rise red-tipped 

    He tio, he huka, he hau hū

    on ice, on snow, on frost.

    Tihei mauri ora!



    Whakawhanaungatanga & Mihimihi

    This week we will do some activities to get to know each other and build relationships so that we can become like family. You will learn how to do a simple mihi and introduce yourself in te reo Māori.

    A mihi (or mihimihi) is an introduction which can take place at the beginning of a gathering or meeting. It is used to establish links with other people present and let people know who you are, and where you come from. Being able to introduce yourself in te reo Māori is a helpful tool that we can all use at work or in our everyday lives.

    Step 1: Your name

    My name is ____

    Ko ____ tōku ingoa

    Tip: You can use your first name only or your full name. It's up to you! 


    Step 2: Where your ancestors come from (if you know)

    My ancestors are from ____

    Nō ____ ōku tīpuna

    If you want to say more than one place name just add the word 'me' ('and') right before the final place name eg 

    Nō place #1 me place #2 ōku tīpuna (2 places) or 
    Nō place #1 , me place #2 me place #3 ōku tīpuna (3+).

    Step 3: Where you live now

    I live in ____

    Kei te noho au ki ____

    Tip: It’s important to know your history. You can research and find the Māori place name for your town, city or country at www.maoridictionary.co.nz. And don't forget the macrons - they can change the meaning of a word!

    Karawhiua whānau!