Understanding Whakapapa Atua

Context and Curriculum Alignment

This 60-minute lesson for year 9 Religious Education aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum's vision to develop confident, connected, and culturally aware learners who explore identity, culture, and belief systems. It directly supports the development of Key Competencies such as managing self, relating to others, thinking, and using language, symbols, and texts, as set out on pages 12-13 of the NZ Curriculum.

This lesson is situated within the unit "Wairuatanga and Belief Systems" and focuses on wairuatanga — spiritual wellbeing — and the importance of whakapapa (genealogical/spiritual connections) and atua (spiritual beings/forces of nature). It integrates Tikanga Māori concepts through the use of Tikanga Whakaaro by Cleve Barlow and connects biblical teachings with New Zealand Māori worldviews, fostering bicultural awareness and empathy, integral to NZC principles and values.

The lesson meets the Religious Education Learning Area intentions and encourages students to explore and question beliefs about ancestry and spirituality, respecting and valuing both Māori and Christian perspectives.

TEACHER STRATEGIES

Use storytelling to share Māori legends and narratives about atua to engage students emotionally and culturally.
Incorporate visual aids such as images, symbols, and charts to support understanding of whakapapa and atua.
Employ questioning techniques to encourage critical thinking and personal connections, e.g., "How do you see yourself connected to these spiritual beings?"
Facilitate group discussions to allow sharing of diverse perspectives and deepen cultural empathy.
Use hands-on activities like whakapapa mapping to make abstract concepts tangible.

Learning Objectives

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

Define and explain whakapapa and its importance in Māori spirituality and identity.
Identify key atua (Tāne, Tangaroa, Papatūānuku) and describe their roles and symbolic connections to the natural world using Tikanga Whakaaro.
Map their own whakapapa and relate it to spiritual connections in their lives.
Analyze the genealogy of Jesus recorded in Matthew 1:1-17, discussing the significance of ancestral connections.
Reflect on how atua influence daily life and natural phenomena.

These outcomes align with NZC Social Sciences and Religious Education learning objectives to understand different worldviews, cultural narratives, and personal identities.

Key Competencies Emphasised

Managing self: Students will plan and present their whakapapa charts and research assignments.
Relating to others: Collaborative activities including sharing whakapapa and discussing atua.
Thinking: Critical thinking when making connections between biblical genealogy and Māori whakapapa.
Using language, symbols, and texts: Engaging with Māori concepts, biblical scripture, and research reports.

Resources

Copies of Tikanga Whakaaro excerpts by Cleve Barlow (summary sheet)
Printed or digital copies of Matthew 1:1-17 (King James Version or equivalent)
Large chart paper and markers for whakapapa mapping
Atua identification cards with images and descriptions
Field space for nature walk or nearby garden/trees
Visual aids: photos or symbols of Tāne, Tangaroa, Papatūānuku
Worksheet templates for whakapapa charts

DO NOW

Quick starter: Write down one word or phrase that comes to mind when you hear "Whakapapa Atua." Share with a partner and discuss briefly.

This activity activates prior knowledge and sets the focus for the lesson.

Lesson Outline (60 minutes)

1. Introduction & Activation (10 minutes)

Begin with a whakataukī (proverb) about whakapapa or connections, e.g., "Ko taku reo, ko tōku reo, te tuakiri tangata" — "My voice and your voice are expressions of identity."
Brief interactive talk: What is whakapapa? Why do we trace our ancestors? How is it more than just family trees but also spiritual connection?
Explain the concept of atua as spiritual guardians or forces related to the natural world.

2. Whakapapa Mapping Activity (15 minutes)

Students create a simplified whakapapa chart showing their immediate ancestry (parents, grandparents).
Encourage inclusion of non-human ancestors or spiritual connections where relevant.
Share examples linking whakapapa to belonging and identity.
Teacher support: Provide a template and support tracing whakapapa accurately and respectfully.

3. Atua Introduction and Identification Game (10 minutes)

Present the three key atua: Tāne (god of the forest), Tangaroa (god of the sea), and Papatūānuku (earth mother).
Using atua cards, students play a matching game: match atua with key symbols, stories, or natural elements.
Highlight teachings from Tikanga Whakaaro explaining how atua influence daily life and environment.

4. Biblical Connection: Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17) (10 minutes)

Read aloud Matthew 1:1-17 focusing on the importance of ancestry and connection.
Small group discussion: Why is genealogy important? How does this relate to whakapapa?
Reflect on shared values between Māori whakapapa and biblical genealogy about respect for ancestors and continuity.

5. Nature Walk Reflection (10 minutes)

Outside or near a nature-rich area, guide students to observe elements reflecting Tāne, Tangaroa, and Papatūānuku (trees, water, land).
Ask students to reflect silently or jot notes on how atua are present and significant in their environment and life.
Brief group sharing upon return.

6. Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

Review key learning: whakapapa as connection to people and the spiritual world; importance of atua.
Prompt students to think about their own spiritual connections and how whakapapa can guide identity and values.
Set a simple reflective homework: write or draw one thing they have learned about whakapapa or an atua and its relevance to them.

Assessment / Evidence of Learning

Observation of engagement and participation during activities.
Completed whakapapa charts demonstrating understanding of genealogical connections.
Contribution to atua identification game showing comprehension of spiritual beings.
Reflective responses or group discussion insights linking biblical and Māori ancestry concepts.
Teacher anecdotal notes based on students’ explanations of whakapapa and atua significance.

Differentiation and Inclusion

Provide scaffolds such as whakapapa templates and vocabulary lists for students needing support.
Encourage oral presentations for students with writing challenges.
Group students heterogeneously to promote peer support.
Celebrate cultural diversity by inviting students to share whakapapa in different cultural contexts if relevant.
Ensure tikanga Māori concepts are taught sensitively and respectfully emphasizing manaakitanga and student wellbeing.

This lesson integrates cultural knowledge, biblical text, and experiential learning to deepen student understanding of spiritual connections and identity through both Māori and Christian worldviews—engaging students holistically and fulfilling the vision of the New Zealand Curriculum for bicultural competency and personal growth.

Teaching Instructions