Providing a proven, repeatable, and engaging course that empowers youth to connect with their heritage and equips schools with a high-quality cultural education resource.
History and Meaning
The story of the Toi Whakapapa begins with its triangular design, which represents the North and South Islands, of Aotearoa New Zealand. The Kowhaiwhai, a traditional Māori pattern, symbolises the connection between tamariki, and their whenua (land) through art, reflecting aspects of family such as:
- My family tree
- My parents' home
- My parents' kitchen
- My parents' backyard
- My parents' letterbox
The red outline represents a wraparound connection, linking tamariki with family stories, memories, and ancestral knowledge, all woven into the education system. The colours are inspired by Papatuanuku, Mother Earth.
Ko te Tapa Toru He tohu Aroha o te kaupapa Ko Te Toi Whakapapa Wānanga, koinei hoki Ko Te Ika a Maui me te Waka a Maui Ko Aotearoa tera.
Ko Te Kōwhaiwhai he tino āhua ki Te Āo Māori, he tohu hononga o nga Whakatipuranga ki a rātou whēnua, mā te kaupapa nei Ko Te Toi Whakapapa e kite, e mārama, arā Ko Te Whakapapa, Te Papakāinga, Te Whare me ngā wāhanga o te Whare, Pouaka Reta me erā atu.
Ko Te Rārangi whero he tohu Korowai Aroha, he tohu Korowai Manaaki ki ngā Whakatipuranga kei te haere ake nei, arā a rātou pūrākau, moemoeā, maumāhara, ngā Tikanga Kawa o ngā Tipuna me erā atu i rārangatia ki Te Tāhuhu Mātauranga o Aotearoa.
The founder and Kaumātua of
Toi Whakapapa, Land Information Freehold Education Charitable Trust, Phillip Wikatene
