Tikanga Māori Intro

Overview

This 60-minute lesson introduces Year 9 students in New Zealand to the concept of Tikanga Māori, its cultural significance, and its role in everyday life. Through discussion and interactive activities, students explore cultural identity and develop an appreciation of Tikanga as a living cultural framework.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand and explain the concept of Tikanga Māori and its importance to Māori culture.
• Recognise how Tikanga Māori influences daily life and community interactions.
• Reflect on their own cultural identity in relation to Tikanga Māori.
• Develop respect and curiosity for Māori cultural practices as part of New Zealand’s bicultural foundation.

Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Social Sciences (Years 9-10)
Achievement Objective:

• Understand how cultural practices and beliefs shape people’s identity and ways of living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Explore significant world views and cultural practices, including those of tangata whenua.

Key Competencies:

• Relating to others: Appreciating diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Participating and contributing: Engaging in discussions and respectful cultural exchange.
• Thinking: Developing critical and cultural awareness by reflecting on values and beliefs.

Principles from NZ Curriculum to Embed:

• Treaty of Waitangi principle: Promote knowledge of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori as part of bicultural foundations.
• Cultural diversity principle: Affirm the histories and traditions of all peoples in New Zealand.
• Inclusiveness principle: Ensure a respectful learning environment acknowledging all students’ identities.

Reference: New Zealand Curriculum key learning areas and principles, .

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Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description	Resources
0-10 mins	Engagement & Introduction	- Begin with a welcoming mihi whakatau (teacher or student) to establish a respectful classroom connection.

• Brief class brainstorm: What does “Tikanga Māori” mean?
• Teacher-led explanation of “Tikanga Māori” (customs, values, protocols). | Whiteboard, markers | | 10-25 mins | Tikanga Māori Exploration Discussion | - Present brief, simple examples of Tikanga (e.g., pōwhiri, manaakitanga, whanaungatanga).
• Small group discussion: Why is Tikanga important? How does it affect communities and daily life?
• Share group thoughts in class. | Slides with Tikanga examples, printed discussion prompts | | 25-40 mins | Cultural Identity Reflection | - Guided writing activity: Students reflect on their own cultural identity and what cultural practices or values they hold important.
• Share voluntary short reflections with a partner or small group. | Writing paper, pens | | 40-55 mins | Tikanga in Action Role-play | - In groups, students role-play simple scenarios illustrating Tikanga (e.g., welcoming a guest, showing respect).
• Encourage use of Māori greetings and protocols introduced earlier.
• Group presentations to class. | Scenario cards, classroom space | | 55-60 mins | Wrap-up and Reflection | - Teacher summarises key takeaways: Tikanga as a foundation for respectful relationships and cultural identity.
• Exit question: One new thing you learned about Tikanga today?
• Collect exit slips or use a shared class whiteboard/tablet for responses. | Exit slips or digital device |

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Assessment

• Formative assessment through observation of group discussion, participation in role-play, and reflection sharing.
• Exit slips providing evidence of understanding and personal reflection on Tikanga.

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Teacher Notes

• Use clear, simple language but incorporate te reo Māori greetings and key terms to normalise use in classroom discourse.
• Create a safe space so students feel comfortable sharing reflections on identity.
• Highlight Tikanga as a living practice influencing all New Zealanders, not just Māori, to promote inclusiveness.
• Align with school-local tikanga where possible to strengthen relevance.

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Key Vocabulary

• Tikanga Māori: Māori customs, values, and protocols.
• Manaakitanga: Hospitality, kindness, care.
• Whanaungatanga: Relationships, kinship, sense of family.
• Pōwhiri: Welcoming ceremony.

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Additional Context

This lesson aligns with the NZ Curriculum’s vision of biculturalism and cultural diversity, encouraging students to understand and engage with Māori world views respectfully while connecting those ideas to their own culture and identity. It also promotes the key competencies of relating to others and thinking critically about culture in Aotearoa New Zealand today.

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If you need further detailed unpacking of achievement objectives or scaffolding, I can provide that as well!