Whakairo Foundations

Context and Curriculum Alignment

This 60-minute Year 9 lesson introduces students to the cultural foundations of Whakairo (Māori carving) through learning karakia (ritual chants) associated with Whakairo, and researching a master carver. This supports cultural connectedness, identity, and understanding of tikanga Māori embedded in the arts strand of the New Zealand Curriculum.

This lesson aligns with:

• The Arts Learning Area:
• Level 4 Achievement Objectives: Students develop understanding of how different arts practices reflect and communicate cultural identity and heritage.
• Key Competencies:
• Thinking – exploring Whakairo symbolism and historical context
• Relating to others – appreciating Māori culture through karakia
• Using language, symbols, and texts – research and oral sharing
• Principles: Treaty of Waitangi (incorporating tikanga Māori), cultural diversity, and inclusion
• Values: Respect and diversity – respecting Māori heritage and practices

This lesson embraces hauora by nurturing spiritual connection through karakia, supporting student wellbeing and identity.

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Recite and explain the purpose of a selected karakia used in Whakairo to acknowledge spiritual and cultural protocols.
2. Research and present key facts about one master Māori carver, explaining their influence and style.
3. Reflect on the significance of karakia in the practice of Whakairo and its role in connecting cultural identity with artistic expression.

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Lesson Overview (60 minutes)

Time	Activity	Description	Resources
10 min	Introduction & Karakia Learning	- Introduce Whakairo as a traditional Māori art form involving sacred creation rituals. - Teach a Whakairo karakia (chant) line-by-line, explaining its meaning and role in invoking spiritual protection and guidance during carving. - Students practise reciting in unison.	Printed karakia text with English translations, audio recording of karakia (if possible), whiteboard for key vocabulary
15 min	Research: Master Carver	- Assign pairs a master carver from a prepared list (e.g., Wēpiha Apanui, Pine Taiapa, Clifford Taiapa). - Students research biographical details and their carving styles and contributions using classroom texts or prepared printouts. - Guide students to focus on cultural impact and distinctive carving elements.	Research sheets / textbooks on master carvers, worksheets for note-taking
15 min	Collaborative Sharing & Discussion	- Pairs briefly present their researched carver to the class. - Facilitate whole-class discussion on how karakia and master carvers connect the spiritual, cultural, and artistic aspects of Whakairo. - Explore questions: Why is karakia important? How do master carvers uphold tikanga through their art?	Presentation cue cards, whiteboard for key points, projector if available
10 min	Reflective Writing	- Students write a short paragraph reflecting on what they learned about karakia and the role of master carvers in Whakairo. - Prompt: “How do karakia and the work of master carvers show the connection between art and Māori culture?”	Writing paper or digital device, reflection prompt handout
10 min	Karakia Recap & Closing	- Recap the karakia as a class, reinforcing pronunciation and meaning. - Teacher models respect and correct protocol for using the karakia in Whakairo. - Share any student reflections or questions. - Close with the karakia to acknowledge learning (wairua).	Karakia text/audio, classroom environment respectful of tikanga

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Resources Needed

• Printed copies of Whakairo karakia with English translations
• Audio recording of the karakia (optional but recommended)
• Research material on master carvers (booklets, prepared notes)
• Worksheets for research and reflection
• Whiteboard or projector for vocabulary and presentations

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Assessment Ideas

• Formative Assessment: Observation of student participation in karakia practice, paired research discussions, and presentations for understanding cultural and artistic principles.
• Written Reflection: Evaluate students’ paragraphs for insightfulness about the spiritual and cultural significance of karakia and master carvers in Whakairo.
• Oral Performance: Assess students’ ability to recite the karakia respectfully and with appropriate pronunciation as part of cultural appreciation.

These align with the curriculum’s emphasis on developing communication, cultural awareness, and critical thinking in The Arts learning area.

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Wow Factor – Bringing the Lesson Alive

• Use a multi-sensory approach with listening, speaking, and researching to embed karakia learning.
• Include a mini storytelling session with images or artefacts linked to the master carvers for rich cultural context.
• Introduce interactive challenges such as students composing a short explanation phrase (in English or Te Reo) about what they find inspiring about their carver for sharing later.
• Optionally, incorporate technology with iPads or laptops for research or recording karakia recitals for peer feedback.

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This lesson plan provides a culturally rich, age-appropriate and curriculum-aligned start to Whakairo for Year 9, fostering respect, knowledge, and participation in Māori artistic traditions.