Collaborative Māori Art

Year Level

Year 8 (ages approximately 12-13)

Duration

60 minutes

Group Size

Class of 30 students

Curriculum Context

Learning Area

The Arts – Visual Arts

Relevant Achievement Objectives (New Zealand Curriculum Refresh)

Developing practical skills in art techniques
Communicating ideas and feelings through art making
Responding to and reflecting on art works
Exploring tikanga and cultural narratives through art

Key Competencies Addressed

Relating to others – teamwork, cooperation, respect for diverse contributions
Thinking – planning, reflecting on and combining artistic ideas
Using language, symbols, and texts – using visual language of Māori art forms

Vision & Values Alignment

Emphasises identity, culture, and heritage through kaupapa Māori art
Encourages students to express creativity and collaborate, respecting diverse perspectives and contributions within the group

Lesson Overview

In this final session of the unit "Exploring Māori Art Techniques," students will work collaboratively to create a cohesive Māori artwork that integrates their individual designs and skills developed across previous lessons. This activity focuses on collaboration, application of learned techniques, and celebrating the diverse artistic contributions of the class.

Learning Intentions (WALT)

We Are Learning To combine our individual Māori-inspired artwork into a unified class piece.
Use traditional and contemporary Māori art techniques learned in previous lessons.
Collaborate effectively in groups, respecting and integrating each other's ideas.
Reflect on the final art piece and our contribution to it.

Success Criteria

Students will be successful if they:

Work cooperatively in groups to share and merge artistic ideas.
Apply at least two Māori art techniques learned earlier (e.g., kowhaiwhai patterns, carving motifs, weaving inspired texture).
Respect and celebrate the diversity of designs from classmates.
Contribute to the creation of a well-composed, visually balanced final artwork.
Share reflections on the process and the importance of collaboration in Māori art contexts.

Materials Needed

Large canvas, boards, or paper roll for the collective artwork
Paints, brushes, markers, coloured pencils
Collage materials (flax-like strips, fabric, textured papers)
Student designs from previous lessons (for reference and incorporation)
Masking tape, glue, and scissors
Examples of Māori art for inspiration and reference

Lesson Breakdown

Time	Activity	Details
0-5 minutes	Introduction and Setup	Teacher briefs students on the collaborative project and the goals for today’s artwork. Emphasize respect and sharing of ideas. Students form small groups of 4-5.
5-15 minutes	Planning and Design Discussion	Groups review their individual designs from previous lessons. Discuss how to combine motifs and techniques into a shared space. Teacher supports planning and scaffolds integration ideas.
15-45 minutes	Collaborative Creation of the Māori Artwork	Groups begin working on the shared large artwork, applying techniques learned: drawing kowhaiwhai, weaving textures, carving motifs in 2D. Teacher observes and supports.
45-55 minutes	Finishing Touches and Group Reflection	Groups complete their sections. Whole class views the collective artwork. Each group reflects aloud: What techniques did we use? How did we incorporate everyone’s ideas? How did we work as a team?
55-60 minutes	Clean Up and Wrap-up	Clean materials/space. Teacher reiterates the cultural significance of collaboration in Māori art and previews any next steps or display plans.

Differentiation Strategies

For diverse learners: Provide varied materials accommodating fine motor skills (e.g., pre-cut elements, tactile materials). Use visual aids and step-by-step scaffolded instructions for complex techniques. Assign roles in groups based on strengths (e.g., design lead, materials handler, colour applicator). Allow verbal or visual communication supports.
For English language learners: Use bilingual vocabulary charts (English and te reo Māori) of key art words. Incorporate visual exemplars and gestures to explain tasks. Pair with supportive peers for collaboration.
For students needing additional challenge: Encourage complexity in motif design or the use of layering techniques. Invite them to mentor peers on technique application. Propose researching additional Māori symbols and meanings to enrich the artwork.

Assessment & Feedback

Formative assessment: Observe student collaboration, engagement, and technique application during activity. Use questioning to prompt deeper thinking about integration of art elements and cultural significance.
Self and peer assessment: At reflection time, students evaluate their group's teamwork and artistic decisions. Encourage use of specific criteria such as respect, creativity, technique, and cohesion.
Teacher feedback: Provide immediate, positive, and constructive feedback focused on cultural understanding, artistic skills, and collaboration.

Extension

After the final artwork is complete, have students write a short reflection or poem in groups about the meaning of collaborative work in Māori culture and the importance of shared stories through art.
Plan a class exhibition where students present their collaborative work and explain their technique choices to other classes, whānau, or community members.

Cultural Integration Notes

Begin and end the lesson with a karakia or waiata to respect tikanga Māori and set a positive, culturally grounded tone.
Use correct te reo Māori terms for art elements and processes (e.g., kowhaiwhai, whakairo).
Encourage students to consider the role of whakapapa and storytelling in Māori art during planning and reflections.

This lesson plan aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh's emphasis on cultural responsiveness, competency development, and integration of practical skills with reflective practice in The Arts. It fosters valuing and respecting tangata whenua perspectives and encourages collaboration as a cultural practice central to Māori arts and society.

Teaching Instructions