Whakapapa and Korowai

Overview

This 60-minute session invites Year 5 students to explore identity through the lens of Māori cultural heritage by learning about the korowai (traditional Māori cloak). The lesson blends cultural understanding, creative arts, and respect for Māori traditions aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh for The Arts and Social Sciences at Year 5 level. Students will investigate the significance of korowai, examine patterns and symbols, and express their own identity through creating korowai-inspired artwork.

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Learning Objectives

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

• Cultural Understanding: Explain the significance of korowai as a symbol of identity and prestige in Māori culture.
• Creativity and Expression: Design and create a visual artwork inspired by korowai using patterns and materials that reflect personal and cultural identity.
• Respect for Tikanga Māori: Demonstrate respect and understanding of Māori traditions and values through discussion and artistic creation.

Curriculum Links:

• The Arts > Visual Arts – Exploring and Developing Ideas
  Students explore how identity is represented in artwork and develop personal responses inspired by cultural traditions.
• The Arts > Visual Arts – Communicating and Interpreting
  Students interpret meanings and symbols in artworks and communicate their own stories through visual form.
• Social Sciences – Identity, Culture, and Organisation
  Students explore cultural symbols and how they contribute to community and individual identity.
• Key Competencies:
  • Thinking – Exploring ideas and symbols in korowai and identity.
  • Managing self – Making artistic choices with purpose.
  • Relating to others – Sharing understandings and respecting tikanga Māori.

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Resources Needed

• Images/photos of traditional korowai (examples from a variety of iwi if possible)
• Samples or images showing korowai weaving patterns and feathers
• Quality paper or cardboard bases shaped like miniature cloaks or rectangular art panels
• Art supplies: coloured paper, fabric scraps, feathers, yarn, markers, paint, glue, scissors
• Whiteboard or chart paper for discussion points
• A short prepared story or pūrākau about korowai or Māori weaving traditions
• Reflection sheets for assessment

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Lesson Sequence

1. Introduction and Cultural Context (15 minutes)

• Engage the class by showing images of korowai and asking:

  • “What do you notice about these cloaks?”
  • “Who might wear these?”
  • “Why might a korowai be important?”

• Share a simple pūrākau or story about korowai or traditional Māori weaving, explaining feathers and patterns as symbols of identity, rank, and whakapapa (genealogy).

• Discuss the role of korowai in expressing who we are – linking cultural identity to personal identity.

Curriculum Reference: Supports learning about cultural symbols and storytelling, as described in Social Sciences and The Arts areas of the NZ Curriculum .

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2. Explore Patterns and Symbols (10 minutes)

• Present examples of common korowai designs and motifs (e.g., huruhuru feathers, tukutuku patterns).
• Discuss meaning: colour, texture, repetition, and symbolism.
• Ask students: “What patterns or symbols represent you or your family?”
• Invite students to brainstorm ideas for decorating their own korowai artwork.

Curriculum Reference: Aligns with "explore, refine and communicate ideas" in Visual Arts and understanding cultural symbols in Social Sciences .

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3. Creative Artwork Construction (25 minutes)

• Task: Students create their own korowai-inspired artwork on paper or cardboard using mixed media (drawing patterns, pasting fabric or paper, adding yarn, feathers).
• Encourage students to think about which elements best represent their identity.
• Teacher circulates, asking questions to support thinking (Why did you choose this pattern? What does it mean to you?).
• Reinforce tikanga Māori values such as respect for materials and the stories they tell.

Curriculum Reference: Reflects creativity, exploration, managing self, and respecting tikanga in The Arts learning areas .

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4. Sharing and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Students share their artworks in small groups, explain their choices, and listen to others.
• Facilitate discussion on how cultural symbols and personal identity connect.
• Complete a short reflection on what they learned about korowai and identity, and how they expressed themselves.

Curriculum Reference: Developing relating to others, critical thinking, and communication competencies, and interpreting artworks in Visual Arts .

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Assessment Strategies

• Formative Assessment:

  • Teacher observation during discussion and creating artwork, noting understanding of cultural significance and creativity.
  • Questioning to assess students’ cultural insight and reflection on choices.

• Self and Peer Assessment:

  • Students reflect on their own and peers’ artworks describing how well identity and cultural respect are expressed.

• Reflection Sheets:

  • Short written or drawn responses to prompts such as “What did I learn about korowai?” and “How does this art show who I am?”

This ongoing assessment will guide teacher feedback and inform next steps in learning.

Referenced from NZC guidance on assessment as an iterative, responsive practice supporting student engagement and inclusion .

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Additional Notes for Teachers

• Engage local iwi or Māori community members if possible for authentic perspective or resources.
• Link identity exploration to students' own whakapapa and stories.
• Emphasise manaakitanga (respect) towards materials and cultural knowledge shared.
• Consider using Te Reo Māori greetings and terms like korowai, whakapapa, huruhuru during the lesson for cultural immersion.

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This lesson plan honours the New Zealand Curriculum Refresh's emphasis on bilingual and bicultural education, creativity, identity, and social learning, aiming to deepen students' understanding of Māori heritage through an arts-based, respectful, and reflective approach.