He Iti Rearea Resource

Story starters

Each learner draws a card and begins a story based on that kupu whakarite. This could be written or oral. This can be done as a group activity where each student uses a different kupu whakarite.

What’s in my bag?

A light-hearted and fun activity where students imagine what might be in the backpack of someone who shows the characteristics of a kupu whakarite.

Debate and reflect

Pose different statements that encourages debate and reflection, e.g., “Everyone can be relied upon in times of stress”, or “It’s easy to be creative”. This can be done as a group or a class activity.+

Who am I?

Read out the qualities section of a card, have students guess what that kupu whakarite might be.

Describing someone

Students could pick a kupu whakarite and describe why they think it relates to someone in their class or someone they know.

In the wisdom of our ancestors, a phrase could hold a world of meaning — wrapped in rhythm, imagery, and the melody of thought.

Through the eyes of kupu whakarite, both handed down and newly imagined, we draw upon that legacy to see and celebrate the many facets of our tamariki — each a living metaphor in motion.

Everyone has their own strengths, talents, and ways of seeing the world. This resource is designed to help ākonga notice, value, and celebrate the unique qualities in themselves and others.

Using kupu whakarite, we can draw comparisons between often abstract ideas and the taiao. They express our unique Māori worldview.