Pepeha

The Pepeha is a way of introducing yourself in Māori. It tells people who you are by sharing your connections with the people and places that are important to you.

It’s told in a story form that shares your waka (how your ancestors travelled to your home), your hapū (clan) and iwi (tribe). It identifies important places like your maunga (mountain), awa (river) and marae (meeting place).

In a Māori context, standing and sharing our pepeha is common practice.

At the start of a hui or gathering where we don’t all know each other, a pepeha is great way to make links and connect with others. Discovering who we are and where we’re from is an important part of building our sense of identity and belonging. It can be very significant for those, who for whatever reason, have become distanced from their whānau or tūrangawaewae (wherever feels like your real home, literally “a place to stand“).

We encourage all participants, speakers, and crew to create their own pepeha ready to share and start the connections.

Visit pepeha.nz for more details and for help in creating your pepeha.