Mana Whenua Designs

Overview

In this 60-minute session, Year 13 Art students will explore traditional Māori arts—whakairo (carving), kowhaiwhai (rafter patterns), tukutuku (woven panels)—along with local Hokianga landmarks. They will investigate the principles of line, rhythm, balance, repetition, and form within these designs through observational sketching. Students will then use their sketches to create a simple weaving pattern on paper, reflecting those traditional styles. This hands-on approach deepens understanding of cultural designs and connects students to Mana Whenua heritage, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum's focus on identity, culture, and artistic expression.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the lesson, students will:

• Understand and identify elements of line, rhythm, balance, repetition, and form within whakairo, kowhaiwhai, tukutuku, and local landmarks.
• Explore cultural narratives through observing and sketching Mana Whenua designs.
• Create a contemporary weaving pattern on paper inspired by traditional Māori styles, demonstrating artistic skills and cultural understanding.
• Reflect on the significance of Mana Whenua art in local heritage and personal identity.

Curriculum Alignment

• The Arts Learning Area (Level 8, Year 13) achievement objectives:
• Develop critical understanding of the roles of the arts in society and other cultures.
• Explore and understand how the arts reflect personal, social, and cultural identity.
• Develop and apply knowledge and skills to create art that communicates ideas and feelings.
• Key Competencies:
• Thinking – analyse traditional designs and apply knowledge in creation.
• Using language, symbols, and texts – interpret and replicate Māori visual symbols.
• Managing self – plan and execute individual artwork.
• Relating to others – respect and appreciate Māori culture.
• Principles:
• Community engagement and recognition of tikanga Māori by working with local cultural heritage.
• Values:
• Excellence, identity, and innovation are fostered through creative exploration of Mana Whenua art forms

Materials Needed

• Sketchbooks or drawing paper
• Pencils, erasers, fine black pens or markers
• Colour pencils or watercolours (optional)
• Examples/images of whakairo, kowhaiwhai, tukutuku, and photographs or illustrations of local Hokianga landmarks
• Paper strips or coloured paper for weaving pattern activity
• Scissors and glue sticks
• Rulers and compasses for precise lines (optional)

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Introduction & Context (10 minutes)

• Begin with a brief kōrero about Mana Whenua and the significance of whakairo, kowhaiwhai, and tukutuku as visual languages representing tribal histories, values, and connections to place.
• Show images or videos showcasing these traditional forms and local Hokianga landmarks.
• Highlight the design elements to focus on: line, rhythm, balance, repetition, form.
• Link to students' identity and the importance of local heritage in art.

2. Observational Sketching (20 minutes)

• Students create detailed sketches focusing on lines, rhythms, and shapes within provided images and local landmark references.
• Emphasise looking for repetition and balance in motifs.
• Encourage notes about the patterns—how elements repeat or how symmetry and asymmetry create balance.
• Circulate to support technical skill and cultural understanding, asking probing questions about meaning and structure.

3. Weaving Pattern Creation (20 minutes)

• Using their sketches as inspiration, students design and create a simple weaving pattern on paper.
• They can cut strips or draw interlocking forms that represent tukutuku and kowhaiwhai patterns.
• Encourage creativity while maintaining connection to traditional rhythms and forms.
• Highlight spatial awareness and pattern repetition, linking to previously observed design principles.

4. Reflect and Share (10 minutes)

• Students explain their weaving patterns to a partner or small group, discussing how their design reflects traditional styles and what they learned about Mana Whenua art.
• Facilitate a brief whole-class reflection on the cultural significance and how understanding these art forms influences their artistic identity.

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Assessment Suggestions

• Formative assessment through observation of sketching and weaving process, noting understanding of line, rhythm, balance, repetition, and form.
• Peer and self-assessment during reflection: use a simple rubric such as
• Identifies key elements in Mana Whenua designs
• Applies these elements creatively in own work
• Explains cultural significance thoughtfully
• Optionally, collect sketches and final weaving pattern for feedback aligned with visual communication and cultural literacy.

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Differentiation and Extensions

• Provide additional visual support or step-by-step design aids for students needing language or technical support.
• Encourage advanced students to experiment with digital tools to create weaving pattern mock-ups.
• Introduce te reo Māori terms associated with the designs to deepen cultural engagement.

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Cross-Curricular Links

• Social Sciences: Understanding Mana Whenua’s ongoing relationship to place and identity.
• Language: Using te reo Māori vocabulary related to arts and patterns.
• Technology: Exploring weaving techniques and pattern design digitally as an extension.

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This lesson honours the New Zealand Curriculum commitment to culturally responsive pedagogy and incorporates Mana Whenua knowledge, supporting students' identity and creativity in Year 13 Art. It encourages student agency by connecting authentic cultural practices with personal artistic expression, ensuring relevance to community and national heritage.