At BestStart Montessori Rongotai, we are proud of our local curriculum and pūrākau (myths and legends). This term, our focus has been the story of Kupe and Te Wheke, a pūrākau that reflects the whenua where our centre is located and connects tamariki to Aotearoa’s rich history.
In Term 4, our kaiako matua (Head Teacher), Moira, introduced this story to our tamariki during mat times and supported them to prepare for sharing it with whānau at our Christmas celebration and concert. Tamariki practised using pukapuka rākau (stick puppets) and confidently retelling the story in their own words.
The story of Kupe and Te Wheke tells of the great Polynesian navigator Kupe, who discovered Aotearoa. Kupe was pursued across the moana by Te Wheke-a-Muturangi, a giant wheke belonging to the tohunga Muturangi, following a conflict in Hawaiki. As Te Wheke followed Kupe’s waka, Mātaurua, it created storms and danger along the journey.
After a long chase, Kupe defeated Te Wheke near Aotearoa. This allowed him to explore the whenua, name landmarks, and establish a story explaining the arrival of people and knowledge in Aotearoa.
This pūrākau also supports our centre’s focus on ako pūkenga ā-hinengaro me te pāpori (social and emotional learning). It teaches manawanui (resilience), toa (courage), and perseverance, highlights mahi tahi (cooperation and teamwork), and supports tamariki to explore and manage ngā kare ā-roto nui (big emotions) such as fear or worry.
Sharing this story helps tamariki connect with Aotearoa’s heritage, strengthening their sense of whanaungatanga (belonging) and tuakiri (identity). Our tamariki did such a mahi nui performing the story, even if they felt a little taiatea (nervous), and were rewarded with a big pakipaki from mātua at the end.