Whakapapa: as Curricula & Pedagogical Practice: an Historical, Social & Philosophical Discourse on Maori Engagement with Traditional & Contemporary Education

Abstract

Here the efficacy of whakapapa as curricala and pedagogical practices within contemporary mainstream/orthodox educational environments is proposed. To support the proposition whakapapa's origins and roles are investigated, described and analysed. A case study of Ngāti Maniapoto has been undertaken to show how a particular community perceived the universe and how they tried to protect their intellectual landscape from annihilation. The return of whakapapa's underlying principles to the centre of education for Māori are explored by deconstructing and analysing the underlying principles of early childhood and primary school Māori medium education. Data has been drawn from published literature, unpublished manuscripts and archives, government reports and traditional media. Paintings, prints, photographs and maps have been accessed through the Alexander Turnbull Library, Auckland City Library, Auckland City Art Gallery, Auckland Institute Museum and private collections. These can be better viewed on the CD version of the thesis provided.