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Tōku Marae Writing

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Tōku Marae Writing

Use the kupu and sentence patterns on this page to plan and write about a marae that is meaningful to you. You may write about a marae you know, or create an imaginary one. Tikanga and stories differ between marae and iwi, so share only what is appropriate to share. You can write in Māori, English, or a mixture while you plan.

He kupu mō te marae

Match each Māori word to its meaning. Meanings are general; names and uses can vary between marae.

1.Match the kupu to the best meaning: wharenui, wharekai, ātea, marae.

wharenui
wharekai
ātea
marae

place and community for gathering
open space in front of the wharenui
meeting house
dining or kitchen building

2.Choose the best word to complete the sentence: “Ka kai tātou i roto i te ______.” We eat inside the ______.

wharekai
ātea
wharenui
awa

3.Fill in the missing word: “Ko te te whare hui.” The is the meeting house.

Whakarite whakaaro

Plan your writing with details you are comfortable sharing. Use the sentence patterns as a starting point, and adapt them to fit your ideas.

4.Choose a marae you know or imagine one. Write its name if you wish, or describe it without naming it. What is one feature you would like to include in your writing, and what do you know about it?

5.Which sentence starter means “Inside the …, …”? Choose one.

I roto i te … ka …
Ko wai tō …?
Kei te haere au ki …
He aha tēnei?

6.Write one sentence about a marae feature using “He tino hira te …” (“The … is very important”). You may complete it in Māori or use the pattern to help you plan.

7.A writer wants to explain that people gather at a marae for hui and share kai. Which detail would best support this idea?

People meet together and eat in the wharekai.
The marae is far from every road.
The wharenui is painted blue.
The ātea is always empty.

Tōku tuhinga

Build a short description with a clear idea, useful details and a closing thought. Use the sentence patterns from earlier on this page, and adapt them to suit your ideas.

8.Write a paragraph about a marae you know or have imagined. Describe at least one feature, what happens there, and why it matters. Include at least two Māori words from this page. You may write in Māori, English, or a mixture.

9.Read your paragraph again. For each statement below, write “true” if it is true of your writing or “not yet” if it is not. Revise any point marked “not yet.” I described at least one feature. I included a detail about what happens there. I used at least two Māori words. I explained why a feature or place matters.

10.Choose one sentence from your paragraph and improve it by adding a descriptive detail or a reason why the feature matters. Write the improved sentence.