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Whakawhanaungatanga: Building Connections

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Whakawhanaungatanga: Building Connections

Read the short story, then complete the activities. Use the kupu Māori in context. You can write about your own whānau or a whānau you know; share only what feels comfortable.

He kōrero: Te rā whakatō rākau

On Saturday, Hana and her cousin Wiremu help at a community tree-planting day. They meet Arjun, who has come with her koro (grandfather). Hana says, “Kia ora! Ko Hana tōku ingoa. Nō Kirikiriroa ahau.” Wiremu introduces himself too. They ask Arjun about her favourite native tree, and she tells them it is the kōwhai. The group works together, shares kai and listens to Koro’s stories. Hana carries water for the younger children. Wiremu thanks everyone for making him feel welcome. Before they leave, the new friends say, “Ka kite anō!” They have begun building a connection through conversation, shared work and care.

Kupu hei hono

whakawhanaungatanga — building relationships and connections; whānau — family or wider family group; koro — grandfather; kai — food; aroha — love and care; manaakitanga — showing care, respect and hospitality; kōwhai — a native New Zealand tree with yellow flowers.

1.Match each kupu to its English meaning. Write the correct letter beside each word: A. food B. family or wider family group C. care and hospitality D. building relationships E. grandfather.

whānau
koro
kai
manaakitanga
whakawhanaungatanga

2.Where did Hana and Wiremu meet Arjun, and what activity brought them together?

3.What was Arjun’s favourite native tree?

pōhutukawa
kōwhai
kauri
rimu

4.Choose the phrase from the story that Hana used to greet Arjun, and the phrase the friends used when leaving.

5.Wiremu thanked everyone for making him feel welcome. Write true or false, then give one detail from the story that supports your answer.

TrueFalse

6.Which answer best explains how the group built connections?

They worked together, shared kai and listened to stories.
They planted trees without speaking to one another.
They all chose the same favourite tree.

7.Fill in the blanks using the story: “Ko tōku ingoa. Nō ahau.” These phrases mean “My name is ” and “I am from .”

8.Hana carried water for the younger children. Explain how this action shows manaakitanga.

9.A new person arrives at a group activity and looks unsure. Which response best helps build a connection?

Say “Kia ora”, introduce yourself and invite them to join in.
Ignore them until they speak first.
Tell them they must already know everyone.

10.Write two or three sentences about one way you could build whakawhanaungatanga in a group. Include one Māori kupu from this sheet and explain how your action shows care or connection.