Te ao Māori – recommended books

Tikanga Whakaaro: Key Concepts in Māori Culture

Cleve Barlow

This book provides explanations in English and Māori of seventy terms which are important in Māori culture. Each term is clearly defined, and its significance explained with reference to tradition, custom, myth and ritual, as well as present day understanding.

A good reference book to have on any shelf and a starting point for furthering bicultural learning journeys.

Cultural Self-review: Providing Culturally Effective, Inclusive Education for Māori Learners

Jill Bevan-Brown

This book provides a structure and process that teachers from early childhood centres through to secondary schools can use to explore how well they cater for Māori learners, including those with special needs.

This book is a great starting point for centres on their bicultural learning journey, and as an ongoing tool for review. It is suggested the principles for analysing the programme are used as a springboard for discussion rather than a recipe to follow.

Culture Speaks: Cultural Relationships and Classroom Learning

Russel Bishop & Mere Berryman

This is a powerful book and is another essential read for anyone working in education in Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this book, Bishop and Berryman share the interviews they had with over 70 high school students as well as their families and teachers. The students were from both ends of the spectrum, from disengaged to deeply engaged, their voices will help lead you to reflect on Māori educational achievement. The book also shares strategies for effectively engaging Māori students.

Māori Pedagogies: A View from the Literature

Wharehui Hemara

This book investigates traditional and contemporary Māori pedagogies through reviewing a wide range of records and publications. It explores traditional teaching, learning and child-rearing practices and how they apply within the European context. It also discusses current issues in New Zealand’s education sector.

The research reveals that many traditional practices still resonate within New Zealand’s contemporary education system. Whether this means that education has gone full circle is yet to be seen. This book has been written as a contribution to the surrounding discourse.

A great little book to begin the journey of bicultural development.

Ngā Iwi o Te Motu

Michael King

“This book should be required reading for all young New Zealanders and for all talkback hosts and most of their callers…” This is the quote on the front cover and refers to the way this book offers a short highly readable insight into Māori history.

The chapters are: Tangata Whenua: People of the land. Tangata Tiriti: The coming of the Pākehā. Tangata Māori: Being Māori. Rangatiratanga: Leadership. Taha Māori, Taha Pākehā: Two Peoples. And Te Ao Hou: The new dawn.

For overseas teachers, or those who want to further their understanding of our rich cultural history, this book is a great little read.

He kete he korero. Every kete has a story

Toi Te Rito Maihi & Maureen Lander

A beautiful book which captures the individual and very personal stories behind the contributors’ kete. The photographs are also beautiful, making the book a joy to read.

This book is about weaving, oral history, tradition, and personal taonga. The stories are moving and insightful. Reading this book reminds us how stories are passed on through treasures and how culture is kept alive through the passing on of stories.

Te Whatu Pōkeka

Ministry of Education

The principal focus of Te Whatu Pōkeka is the assessment of Māori children in a Māori early childhood setting. Broad Māori concepts and perspectives are discussed to provide an understanding of the insights and ideas that inform the philosophy of Te Whatu Pōkeka, as a curriculum that is determined and shaped by the child.

One of the underlying assumptions is that assessment based on kaupapa Māori is a powerful vehicle for the normalisation of success for Māori children and whanau. This document is of utmost importance to teachers in all early childhood settings as they seek to strengthen children in their identity, language and culture.

Māori Tribes of New Zealand

Te Ara The Encyclopedia of NZ

This is a book for every early childhood centre’s bookshelf. It is the published version of part of the online Encyclopedia of New Zealand. The beautiful photos and illustrations will appeal to adults and children alike. It will be useful as a reference book, and a starting point for teachers who are beginning their journey learning about Māori history, culture and the colonisation of New Zealand. There is a short introduction to the major tribes of Aotearoa which will help teachers as they develop their understanding of their local histories.

One of the underlying assumptions is that assessment based on kaupapa Māori is a powerful vehicle for the normalisation of success for Māori children and whanau. This document is of utmost importance to teachers in all early childhood settings as they seek to strengthen children in their identity, language and culture.

Te Wheke

Dr Rangimarie Turuki Pere

This is an essential book for all teachers. “The simple teachings of this book reach into the past, present and future of the ancient teaching of Hawaiiki.” Teachers will find this book informative and inspiring.

It is an essential book because it will strengthen teacher’s understandings about te Ao Māori. Through sharing some of her personal experiences Rose Pere gives the reader a greater understanding of these teachings.

The layout of this book is easy to read and has beautiful illustrations.