Water: Sacred to Māori People
Understanding the spiritual and cultural significance of wai (water) in Māori worldview Year 7 Social Studies
What is Wai?
Wai is the Māori word for water More than just H2O - it has mauri (life force) Connected to all living things Essential for physical and spiritual wellbeing
Māori Whakataukī (Proverb)
'Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au' 'I am the river, the river is me' This shows the deep connection between people and water
Wai in Creation Stories
Water appears in many Māori creation stories Tangaroa - god of the sea and all water Wai connects the physical and spiritual worlds Source of all life on Earth
Sacred Waters vs Everyday Waters
{"left":"Sacred waters: Springs, ancestral rivers, ceremonial pools, Burial sites near water","right":"Everyday waters: Drinking water, Washing water, Irrigation water, Recreation areas"}
Water Connection Activity
Think about water in your daily life List 5 ways you use water each day Now imagine if that water was sacred - how would you treat it differently? Share your thoughts with a partner
Protecting Wai - Kaitiakitanga
Kaitiakitanga = guardianship and protection Māori have responsibility to protect water Keep water clean for future generations Balance human needs with water's spiritual nature
Modern Challenges to Sacred Water
Reflection Question
How might understanding Māori perspectives on water change the way we think about environmental protection in New Zealand? Consider both practical and spiritual aspects
Summary: Water as Taonga
Wai (water) is taonga - a treasure to be protected Has mauri (life force) and spiritual significance Māori are kaitiaki (guardians) of water Understanding different worldviews helps us work together for environmental protection