Exploring Māori Artists

Curriculum Area: Ngā Toi – Mahi Toi (Visual Arts)

Level: NCEA Level 1 (Year 11)
Strand: Understanding the Visual Arts in Context

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Lesson Objective

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Develop research skills by investigating Māori artists from Ngāti Awa.
• Understand the processes and techniques used in traditional and contemporary Māori art.
• Use technology to explore, document, and communicate their findings.
• Analyse the evolution of selected artists and their artistic exploration.

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Lesson Structure (45 Minutes)

1. Whakawhanaungatanga & Introduction (5 minutes)

• Begin with a karakia timatanga (opening prayer) to set the tone for a culturally responsive space.
• Discuss today's objective: “We will research and explore the creative processes of Māori artists from Ngāti Awa, using technology to gather meaningful insights.”
• Encourage students to share prior knowledge of Māori art and any artists they may already be familiar with.

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2. Research Task - Discovering Ngāti Awa Artists (15 minutes)

Activity: Digital Art Investigation

• Students will use Google Arts & Culture, museum archives, and iwi websites to research at least one Māori artist from Ngāti Awa.
• They will search for evidence of how the artist incorporates tikanga Māori (cultural practices), motifs, and history into their work.
• Key questions to guide research:
  • Who is the artist? (Background, iwi connections, influences)
  • What materials and techniques do they use?
  • What concepts or kaupapa (themes) do they explore in their work?
  • How has their style and focus evolved over time?
• Each student records findings using a digital research template (Google Docs or Canva infographic).

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3. Analysing Art-Making Processes (10 minutes)

Activity: Visual Process Investigation

• Students will choose one key artwork from their selected artist and dissect the artistic process behind it.
• Using digital whiteboards (Miro or Jamboard), they will:
  • Identify three key steps in the creation of the art piece.
  • Describe what materials and techniques were used.
  • Make connections to relevant Māori art traditions such as whakairo (carving), raranga (weaving), or kowhaiwhai patterns.
• Each student presents their findings in a short 2-minute explanation—practicing oral communication skills.

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4. Evolution & Reflection Discussion (10 minutes)

Paired Discussion & Digital Reflection:

• Visual Timeline Task: Students use Google Slides or Padlet to create a timeline showcasing the evolution of their chosen artist’s work.
  • Early influences
  • Major breakthroughs
  • Recent works
• Once completed, students swap devices and review their partner’s timeline, providing feedback using at least one whakaaro pai (positive thought) and one pātai (question) for deeper analysis.

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5. Wrap-Up & Whakaako (5 minutes)

• Ask: “What was the most surprising thing you learned about your artist?”
• Students summarise their research findings in one sentence, which will be shared in the next lesson for further exploration.
• Finish with a karakia whakamutunga (closing prayer) and acknowledge students' effort.

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Assessment & Next Steps

• Formative Assessment: Teacher observes students' use of technology, critical thinking, and ability to articulate insights.
• Next Lesson: Students will create a visual response artwork inspired by their researched artist.
• Optional Homework: Students refine their research and upload their findings to a shared class drive for peer reference.

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Teacher Reflection Notes:

• Were students able to effectively use technology to research and present findings?
• Did they engage with the historical and cultural significance of their artist in depth?
• How well did students articulate their findings through digital tools and discussions?

This lesson aligns with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa by embedding te ao Māori perspectives, fostering tech-enabled research skills, and encouraging whanaungatanga in small-group collaboration.

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🔹 This plan is designed to immerse students in rich, culturally connected learning while enhancing 21st-century research skills. It encourages deep exploration and creative presentation of Māori art practices!