Te Reo MāoriFreePrintable

Introduction to Whakapapa

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Introduction to Whakapapa

Māori family tree illustration

📚 Part 1: Understanding Whakapapa

1. What is the best definition of whakapapa?

A type of traditional Māori food

Genealogy, lineage, and family connections in Māori culture

A Māori greeting ceremony

Traditional Māori clothing

2. Which of these are reasons why whakapapa is important in Māori culture? (Select all that apply)

It connects people to their ancestors

It helps establish identity and belonging

It determines land rights and tribal connections

It is used only for formal ceremonies

3. Complete the sentence: Whakapapa structures help Māori people understand their _____________ and their place within their _____________.

Whakapapa structures help Māori people understand their _____________ and their place within their _____________.

🏠 Part 2: Whakapapa Vocabulary

4. Match the te reo Māori terms with their English meanings:
whānau
tipuna/tīpuna
mokopuna
matua
tamariki
children
grandchildren
ancestors
family
parents
5. Fill in the blanks with the correct te reo Māori terms:

My __________ (grandmother) told me stories about our __________ (ancestors) who lived on this land many generations ago. She explained how our __________ (family) is connected to the local iwi through whakapapa.

✏️ Part 3: Reflection and Application

6. Explain in 2-3 sentences why understanding whakapapa might be important for young Māori people today.
7. How might whakapapa charts help people understand their family connections? Give one specific example.
8. Answer in te reo Māori: He aha te take nui o te whakapapa? (What is the importance of whakapapa?)

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