Nau mai: Discovering the heart of pepeha
A pepeha is a traditional Māori way of introducing oneself, but it is more than just a simple introduction. It can establish identity, connections, whakapapa, and build relationships. It can also be expressed in many different ways.
- What meaning does Ian give to pepeha?
- What other ways can pepeha be expressed?
- Spend some time sharing your pepeha with your classmates. If you do not have a pepeha, explore the possibility of creating one.
Pepeha – Te Whetu | Tainui, Tūhoe, Te Arawa, Kāi Tahu Pepeha
Te Whetu from Hokitika Primary School shares her pepeha.
A kōrero about Poutini by Horiana
Pūrākau are more than narratives – they also serve as geological observations and knowledge. The pūrākau of Ngāti Waewae shape their identity and connection to pounamu and the surrounding land and waterways.
- Who/what is Poutini?
- Who is Waitaiki?
- Discover pūrākau within your whānau or whakapapa.
He wāhine, he pounamu – A story about the women of pounamu
Horiana welcomes us to the Arahura awa, a river that features proudly in Ngāti Waewae pepeha. Here, Horiana shares Ngāti Waewae kōrero about three women with strong historical links to pounamu.
- Who are the three wāhine and what is their ‘claim to fame’?
- What colour did the kōhatu (stone) resemble that Hine-te-uira-i-waho used to weigh down her fishing net in the awa?
- Why weren’t the men that Raureka met interested in her waiata?
He waiata nā Raureka: Te kaha o te pounamu | A song from Raureka: The strength of pounamu
Listen to Horiana sing the waiata of Raureka, which she sang to demonstrate the sharpness of her toki.
Ko Arahura te awa
The Arahura awa holds a central place in the cultural heritage of Ngāti Waewae. It is a sacred river that flows through the heart of Te Tai o Poutini and is known as the source of pounamu.
- Why is the Arahura River such an important place for Ngāti Waewae?
- What kinds of activities have people from the area traditionally done at the awa?
- How does Ian describe the connection between the awa, pounamu, and identity?
He taonga whakaritea: The art and industry of pounamu
Step inside Waewae Studio in Arahura to see how raw pounamu is transformed into beautiful carved taonga.
Aaron takes us through the process – from slicing the stone and shaping designs to adding fine details, polishing, and ensuring each piece is genuine West Coast pounamu.
- Where does the pounamu used at Waewae Studio come from, and how can customers check it’s genuine?
- What tools and processes are used to cut, shape, and finish a piece of pounamu?
- Why is water used when cutting and grinding the pounamu?
Te whare whakairo pounamu: A visit to the workshop of Katene
Welcome to the workshop of carver Katene, where pounamu is transformed into stunning taonga that weave together traditional styles and modern creativity. Katene shares his journey into carving and how each piece he creates carries a story – from its origins in the river to the special meaning it holds for its new owner.
- How did Katene get started in pounamu carving?
- In what ways does Katene combine traditional carving styles with his own modern ideas?
- Why is it important to Katene that each taonga pounamu has a story or personal meaning?
Pounamu – he taonga tuku iho | Pounamu – an intergenerational treasure
Inside Taua Horiana’s whare, Horiana and carver Katene share the rich history and traditions of pounamu. They explore the many colours and forms of this treasured stone, its traditional uses as vital tools and weapons; and how, over time, those pieces were transformed into adornments that carry deep cultural meaning and mana.
- What were some of the traditional uses of pounamu in the past?
- How has the use and value of pounamu changed over time?
- What connection does Katene explain between toki (adzes) and hei tiki?
