Mäori Media Models

Whakapapa Diagrams

Whakapapa details required for this task are not required in full detail. Sequential or chronological details are not required.  Students need to record names of people known for some deed of note such as a leader, an orator, a teacher, a weaver, a carver, a tohunga, an accomplished sportsperson.  They may refer to the eponymous ancestor or give details of tribal affiliations. 

Names can be depicted in a visual diagram such as:

·	a koru 
·	a number of circles radiating out from a central circle 
·	a waka with paddles (the paddles being the people)
·	a staircase (arawhata) coloured for a different generation 
·	any other symbol or visual diagram 

Names should be given on the diagram and what deed the person was known for. Deeds do not need to be famous, they can be important to the tribe or family. 

NOTE:
Some students like to include infamous deeds of ancestors or family.  It is a good idea to acknowledge these and discuss the positive learning experiences that have been handed down as a result of the person's actions. 

© Ministry of Education, Wellington, New Zealand (First published 1998)