Māori Atua: Guardians of Nature
Learning about Māori gods and their role as kaitiaki Year 4 Cultural Studies
What do you already know?
What is a guardian? Who looks after nature in your family or community? Have you heard of any Māori gods before?
Key Vocabulary: Atua
Atua = god in te reo Māori Powerful beings in Māori tradition Each atua has special responsibilities They watch over different parts of our world
Key Vocabulary: Kaitiaki
Kaitiaki = guardian, protector, caregiver Someone who looks after and protects Takes responsibility for something precious Like a trustee or steward
In the Beginning...
Long ago, the world was different Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) were joined together Their children, the atua, lived in darkness between them
The Great Separation
The atua wanted light and space to grow They decided to separate their parents This created our world as we know it Each atua became guardian of different domains
Meet Tāne Mahuta
God of the forest and all living things Pushed his parents apart with his shoulders Responsible for trees, birds, and insects Protects all forest life
Think About It
What is Tāne responsible for? How do you think Tāne cares for the forest? What might happen if Tāne wasn't there to protect the trees?
Meet Tangaroa
God of the sea and all sea creatures Rules over oceans, rivers, and lakes Protects fish, whales, and sea life Guardian of all water domains
Meet Tāwhirimātea
God of wind and weather Controls storms, clouds, and rain Can be gentle or fierce Responsible for all weather patterns
Weather Wonders
What happens because of Tāwhirimātea? Can you name different types of weather? How does weather help or challenge nature?
Meet Ruaumoko
God of earthquakes and volcanoes Lives beneath the earth Causes the ground to shake and move Protects the earth's inner power
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