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Pepeha Poetry Revision Worksheet

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Pepeha Poetry Revision Worksheet

A fire station is preparing a spoken-word piece for a community gathering. Arjun, Levi and Rawiri want to connect their verses to place and identity with care. Read the examples, then analyse and revise your own lines. Pepeha practices vary between people and iwi; share only what you are comfortable sharing, and follow guidance from your whānau or community.

Read the sample

At the fire station, the crew is shaping a poem about belonging. Rawiri drafts: “Ko Taranaki te maunga e tū mai nei / Taranaki stands here before me. / Ko te awa o Waitara te awa e rere nei / The Waitara River carries stories onward. / He uri ahau nō Taranaki / I am a descendant of Taranaki.” This is a fictional example, not a template for everyone. Place names and pepeha wording should be checked with knowledgeable people.

Read closely

Use the sample above for Questions 1–3.

1.Match each phrase from the sample with its role in the introduction. Ko Taranaki te maunga e tū mai nei; Ko te awa o Waitara te awa e rere nei; He uri ahau nō Taranaki.

Ko Taranaki te maunga e tū mai nei
Ko te awa o Waitara te awa e rere nei
He uri ahau nō Taranaki

River connection
Ancestral or descendant connection
Mountain connection

2.Choose the best explanation of the repeated word “Taranaki” in the opening and closing lines.

It links the speaker’s place connection with their identity.
It proves every speaker should name the same mountain.
It is included only to make the poem rhyme.
It gives the poem a strict syllable count.

3.Identify one image created by “the Waitara River carries stories onward”. Explain what the river seems to do beyond physically flowing.

Revise with purpose

Think about how sound, image and structure can strengthen a poem without treating pepeha as decoration.

4.Which revision gives the line “The river flows” a clearer image and a sense of movement?

The river runs, rippling through the valley.
The river is a river and it flows.
There is water near the station.
The river is very, very, very nice.

5.Arjun writes: “My home is a harbour; my memories anchor me.” Name the poetic device and explain how it shapes the idea of belonging.

6.True or false: A pepeha poem must include the same elements, in the same order, for every person.

TrueFalse

7.Fill in the blank: Repeating a key word or phrase for emphasis is called .

8.Levi wants to add a place connection to a poem but is unsure what is appropriate to share. Write one respectful piece of advice he could follow before including it.

Make and reflect

Create a short, original revision. You may use an imagined speaker or a place you can write about appropriately. Do not invent or claim another person’s whakapapa.

9.Write two connected poetry lines that express belonging through a place, memory or community connection. Include at least one deliberate poetic device, then name the device.

10.In 3–4 sentences, explain how a place connection can add meaning to a poem. Mention one possible poetic choice and why respectful checking or guidance matters.