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Whakataukī.
Whakataukī are Māori proverbs with origins that are uncertain, they hold significant importance in Māori cultural traditions. These expressions serve a crucial role, frequently employed as motivational instruments in speeches or daily discussions. Whakataukī exhibits poetic language and convey deeper meanings, contributing to the rich tapestry of Māori linguistic and cultural heritage. Whakatauākī are also proverbs however the origins are known. Whakataukī and whakatauākī are an important part of te ao Māori and offer a wealth of knowledge and wisdom. These proverbs are concise yet meaningful, making them easy to remember and pass on to others.
Whakataukī and whakatauākī can be seamlessly integrated into the classroom. They can be discovered to reinforce nearly any subject, offering an ideal means of presenting a Māori viewpoint on that particular topic.
Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi.
With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive.
This whakataukī emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration. It recognises that each person brings something valuable to the table and emphasises the idea that through collective effort, everyone can thrive and flourish.
Mā whero, mā pango ka oti ai te mahi.
With red and black the work will be complete.
This whakataukī also emphasises the value of collective effort, but it specifically addresses the importance of collaboration. In its traditional context, 'whero' represents chiefs or leaders, while 'pango' signifies the broader community or workers. The whakataukī recognises the essential collaboration between leaders and the community, highlighting the mutual dependence required to accomplish the tasks at hand.
Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.
This whakataukī similarly highlights the significance of collaborative efforts. It recognises and appreciates the crucial interdependence of both leaders and followers, emphasising that both play essential roles in the collective endeavor.
Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.
Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini.
My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, it was not individual success but the success of a collective.
This whakataukī recognises the collaborative spirit, attributing individual success to the support and contributions of many. Much like the proverbial idea that it takes a village to raise a child, it emphasises that the collective efforts of a community or team are essential for an individual's success.
He kai kei aku ringa.
There is food at the end of my hands.
This whakataukī symbolises resilience, empowerment, and optimism. It speaks to the capacity to leverage one's skills and resources to achieve success, emphasising the proactive responsibility for the tools and abilities necessary for personal growth and development.
He maurea kai whiria!
Ignore small matters and direct effort toward important projects.
This whakataukī urges us to maintain a sense of perspective, advising against becoming entangled in insignificant details. Instead, it emphasises the importance of staying focused on what truly matters.
Fight like a shark, don’t give in like an octopus.
This whakataukī inspires perseverance. It draws a metaphor from fishing, illustrating that a shark will fiercely resist throughout its time on the line, while an octopus gives up once hooked.
Kia mate ururoa, kei mate wheke.
Whāia e koe te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe, me he maunga teitei.
Pursue excellence – should you stumble, let it be to a lofty mountain.
This whakatauki inspires us to pursue our goals and to persevere through challenges.
He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata! He tangata! He tangata!
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people! It is people! It is people!
This whakataukī emphasises the significance of human connection and interpersonal relationships. It highlights that genuine community and individual flourishing are born from these connections.
He waka eke noa.
A canoe which we are all in with no exception.
This whakataukī suggests a collective effort, emphasising that "we are all in this together."
Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou.
Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing.
This whakataukī highlights the significance of embracing learning as a crucial factor for one's well-being. By following the path of learning, one can unlock a world of opportunities.
Tē tōia, tē haumatia.
Nothing can be achieved without a plan, workforce and a way of doing things.
This whakataukī emphasises the significance of having a strategic approach or a 'plan of attack.'
Reference list:
Whakatauki Information sheet. (n.d.). Inspiring communities. https://inspiringcommunities.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Inspiring-Communities-%E2%80%93-Whakatauki-information-sheet.pdf
Using whakataukī in the classroom. (2017). Te Reo Māori Classroom. https://www.thetereomaoriclassroom.co.nz/2017/02/some-ways-to-use-whakataukii-in-the-classroom/
What is a whakataukī. (n.d.). Twinkl. https://www.twinkl.co.nz/teaching-wiki/whakatauki