Matuaranga Maori

Matauranga Maori

What is Matauranga Maori? Mātauranga Māori can be defined as 'the knowledge, comprehension, or understanding of everything visible and invisible existing in the universe', and is often used synonymously with wisdom.

This was the most significant learning when at Tirorangi Marae last week.  There were numerous experiences, fun times and learnings but I think the most significant for me was the above. Thoughts in bullet points.

- Messages from Keith regarding getting it right, don't dumb it down, rework it, make sure you do your research and do it justice.
-Keith talked about the Japanese dance making him cringe - but how do we teach about other cultures if we don't experience it.
- Maori stories explain the scientific understanding of phenomena - remember disucssion with dude at uni about collecting Maori stories regarding historical earthquakes and flooding - it's becoming more legitimate and the use is valued more
- Integrate mythology into science learning - they are the same
-Respect for papatunuku interwoven into values - links to enviroschools
-Being out in the bush is calming - must do it more and with children
-Being silent in nature is invigorating
-Keep the Maori students in your heart when planning experiences, engage their whanau