Te Koparapara: An Introduction to the Maori World

by Lyn Carter (Editor), Suzanne Duncan (Editor), Gianna Leoni (Editor)

Like the clear morning song of te koparapara, the bellbird, this book allows the Maori world to speak for itself through an accessible introduction to Maori culture, history, and society from an indigenous perspective. In 21 illustrated chapters, leading scholars introduce Maori culture (including tikanga on and off the marae and key rituals like powhiri and tangihanga), Maori history (from the beginning of the world and the waka migration through to Maori protest and urbanization), and Maori society today (including 21st century issues like education, health, political economy, and identity). Chapters include a mixture of images, maps, and diagrams as well as relevant songs and sayings.

Genres: Nonfiction

474 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 10, 2018

Reviews

[Finn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teacher in New Zealand you are continuously prompted and nagged into learning Te Reo Māori Tikanga Māori and about Te Ao Māori. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Education is all talk and no action. They want these things but do not provide much (any) time for teachers to learn this. So it becomes something that you do in your own time.

In late 2022 I managed to secure a spot for an online course called Papa Reo - NZ Certificate in Te Reo, offered by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. It's a year-long commitment and looks like it will be quite a bit of work. But, I am really pleased to be making a good start on my language learning journey. As part of that I felt the need to learn more about Te Ao Māori and Tikanga Māori. I often browse for books on these topics and I found this one, which was quite the tome and covered many topics.

I got it out from the library and read it on my Kobo while doing the Hollyford-Pyke packrafting trip over New Years, which was really great. I found that it covered a really wide number of topics so was good to get insight into many areas. I do think that I will pick up a paper copy at some point so that I can reference it more easily.

I strongly recommend it!

[Gabrielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfectly adequate intro to a range of topics that I am reminded I read earlier this year