Māori Spiritual Beliefs and Stories

Exploring Indigenous Culture from New Zealand Grade 3 Social Studies

Who Are the Māori People?

Indigenous people of New Zealand Have lived there for over 700 years Rich culture with special beliefs about nature Connected to land, sea, and sky

Let's Learn New Words!

Ancestors (tūpuna) - family from long ago Spirit - special energy in all living things Land (whenua) - Earth that is sacred Whānau - family group

Connection to Land and Ancestors

Māori believe land is like a mother Ancestors' spirits live in nature Mountains, rivers, and trees are family We must care for the Earth

Māori Wisdom

'The land is our mother, the sky is our father, and we are their children'

The Creation Story: Papatūānuku and Ranginui

Think and Share

What does this story teach us about family? How are the Earth and sky like parents? Why might the Māori see nature as family?

How Beliefs Guide Daily Life

{"left":"Respect for water and rivers\nCaring for plants and animals\nHonoring family traditions","right":"Protecting special places\nSharing stories with children\nTaking only what is needed"}

My Special Connection

Draw a special place or family member Write one sentence about why they're important Use our new vocabulary words if you can Be ready to share with a partner

What We Learned Today

Māori people have deep spiritual beliefs Land and ancestors are like family Stories teach us about respect and care We all have special connections to remember