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Pā Harakeke Whānau Symbolism

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Pā Harakeke Whānau Symbolism

Read the short passage and study the labelled diagram. Answer in English, te reo Māori, or both as appropriate. The pā harakeke is a teaching metaphor; whānau structures and interpretations can differ.

He kōrero: Te pā harakeke

A pā harakeke is a cluster of harakeke (New Zealand flax). In one well-known teaching metaphor, the central young shoot is the rito, often compared with a child. The awhi rito are the leaves that shelter the rito and are sometimes compared with parents. The outer leaves, called tūpuna in some explanations, may be compared with grandparents and wider generations who help sustain the whānau. These comparisons are not a fixed rule for every whānau. The proverb “Unuhia te rito o te harakeke, kei whea te kōmako e kō?” asks: “If the heart of the flax is pulled out, where will the bellbird sing?” It reminds people to care for children and the relationships that support a community. Like harakeke leaves woven together, whānau can draw strength from care, connection and shared responsibility.

Pānui me te whakaaro | Read and think

1.According to the passage, which part is the rito?

The central young shoot
The outer mature leaves
The roots beneath the plant
A woven flax basket

2.Match each plant part with the comparison described in the passage.

Rito
Awhi rito
Outer leaves / tūpuna

Sheltering parents
Grandparents and wider generations
Child

3.True or false: The passage says every whānau must use exactly the same pā harakeke interpretation.

TrueFalse

4.Complete the whakataukī from the passage: “Unuhia te rito o te harakeke, kei whea te kōmako e ?”

5.In your own words, explain the concern expressed by the bellbird question in the whakataukī.

6.Name one way the pā harakeke metaphor connects care for children with care for the wider whānau.

7.A new student joins a group and is unsure where to sit. Give one practical example of manaakitanga that could help them feel included.

8.The passage says whānau interpretations can differ. Why is that qualification important when discussing family roles?

9.Write a short response using at least two of these words: whānau, rito, awhi rito, manaakitanga, aroha. Explain how people can support one another. You may describe an imagined whānau rather than your own.