Hikoi Marae Waiata

Whāinga Ako | Learning Objectives

By the end of this 40-minute lesson, students (years 0–6) will be able to:

• Whakarongo, Pānui, Kōrero (Listen, Read, Speak): Understand and chant together a waiata about the many marae in the Utakura Valley.
• Kapa Haka Integration: Demonstrate basic kapa haka actions that align with the waiata.
• Tikanga Māori & Taiao (Cultural & Environmental Respect): Show appreciation and respect for local marae and the surrounding environment through a guided hikoi (walk).
• Manaakitanga & Whanaungatanga (Values): Develop collaborative skills by working respectfully in a group during the education outside the classroom hikoi.
• Whakamātautau (Assessment): Show ability to remember parts of the waiata, participate in kapa haka movements, and express respect and curiosity about each marae visited.

These objectives align with Te Marautanga o Aotearoa learning area: Te Reo Māori, specifically the Oral Language Progress Outcome for years 0–3 and 4–6, which emphasize active participation in waiata and learning through cultural activities, while fostering connection to whānau, hapū, and whenua.

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Ngā Pūkenga me Ngā Wāhanga Ako | Skills and Learning Areas Covered

• Whakarongo me te Kōrero: Developing oral language skills through waiata and chant.
• Ngā Tikanga Māori & Te Ao Tūroa: Connecting learners to local marae through whakapapa and environment.
• Kapa Haka: Physical expression supporting language learning through action and rhythm.
• Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC): A real-world experience through hikoi including movement, observation, and social learning.
• Whanaungatanga: Strengthening relationships through group collaboration and shared cultural experiences.
• Manaakitanga: Practising care and respect when visiting marae and natural environments.

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Rā Tau | Year Range

Years 0–6 (suitable scaffolding and differentiation for different ages)

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Whakatakoto Wā | Lesson Timing & Structure (40 minutes total)

Wā (Time)	Wāhanga (Stage)	Whāinga (Purpose)
0–5 min	Whakawhanaungatanga & Mihi	Establish school tikanga and whakatauākī, engage students with song and shared greetings; explain learning context
5–15 min	Waiata Whakaritea me te Kapa Haka	Teach and chant the waiata together, model kapa haka actions linking to words (e.g., pointing to marae, clapping tāiaha motions)
15–35 min	Hikoi ki te Utakura Valley (Education outside classroom)	Visit marae referenced in waiata; pause briefly at each to discuss features, history, and significance; reinforce waiata lines through movement to locations
35–40 min	Whakarāpopototanga & Whakamātautau Whakaaro	Reflection circle, students share what they learned or enjoy; teacher assesses participation and understanding informally

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Rauemi | Teaching Resources & Materials

• Printed/heavy laminated waiata sheets with large font and images of each marae.
• Kapa haka props: poi, taiaha, or simple body percussion.
• Permission and safety plan for hikoi in Utakura Valley.
• Teacher knowledge of local histories for each marae to share micro stories.
• Digital voice recorder (optional) for student reflections.
• First aid kit, water, sun protection for outdoor activity.

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Taumahi Ako | Learning Activities

1. Whakawhanaungatanga & Mihi (5 minutes)

• Begin with a pōwhiri-style greeting in English and Te reo Māori, including a simple karakia to open the learning space.
• Introduce the waiata about the many marae in the Utakura Valley, highlighting that this song connects them to local places and people.
• Map or picture display to locate Utakura Valley next to the students.

2. Waiata me te Kapa Haka (10 minutes)

• Teach the waiata line-by-line, ensuring clear pronunciation and including repetitive elements for enjoyment and memory.
• Introduce simple kapa haka actions: pointing, clapping, foot stamps to emphasise the rhythm and marae names.
• Group chanting practice with encouragement to use appropriate facial expressions and pride.

3. Hikoi ki ngā Marae (20 minutes)

• Walk to the places mentioned in the waiata around the Utakura Valley in a calm and safe way.
• At each marae stop, briefly share a fact or story connecting the waiata to the place.
• Invite students to chant or sing relevant parts of the waiata on-site, relating song words to the real environment.
• Encourage observation of natural features, respect for cultural protocols, and tikanga around marae.
• Use questions to prompt critical thinking, e.g., "Why do you think the marae is important?" or "What special things do you notice here?"

4. Whakarāpopototanga & Whakaaro (5 minutes)

• Gather students back together for a reflective circle.
• Ask students to share their favourite marae or part of the song, and why.
• Teacher provides positive reinforcement for participation in waiata, kapa haka, and respectful behaviour on the hikoi.
• Explain next steps if the waiata is to be practised in future lessons or performed for whānau.

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Ngā Kaupapa Matua | Curriculum Alignment

• Te Reo Māori Learning Area:
  • Oral language development via waiata and kapa haka (year 0–6)
  • Understanding and valuing local Māori heritage and stories
• The Arts:
  • Kapa haka as performing arts practice, integrating language, rhythm, and movement
• Social Sciences:
  • Exploring local communities and places, strengthening connections to whenua and tūrangawaewae
• Health and Physical Education:
  • Engaging in physical activity safely and respectfully through hikoi

This plan supports the Te Marautanga o Aotearoa principles of manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and kaitiakitanga, with a focus on local contexts and active learning beyond the classroom environment .

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Whakamātautau | Assessment Ideas

• Formative:
  • Teacher observation of student participation in chanting, kapa haka actions, and engagement during hikoi
  • Questioning students' understanding of marae significance and place names within the song
• Summative:
  • Oral retelling of a line or fact from the waiata
  • Drawing a picture of a favourite marae visited with an accompanying sentence or phrase in te reo Māori describing it (adapted by age)

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He Aratohu Āwhina mō te Kaiako | Teacher Tips

• Use lots of visual aids and gestures for younger students to support comprehension.
• Maintain high energy and enthusiasm to sustain engagement.
• Ensure safety and cultural protocol are rigorously maintained on the hikoi.
• Adapt kapa haka actions for various physical abilities.
• Encourage whānau involvement to reinforce learning and cultural connection beyond the classroom.

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This holistic and experiential lesson plan provides a culturally rich, curriculum-aligned, and engaging approach for teaching te reo Māori through waiata, kapa haka, and education outside the classroom in the local context of the Utakura Valley marae. It fosters identity, language skills, and tikanga consistent with the vision of Te Marautanga o Aotearoa, while creating memorable, active learning experiences for young learners.