Summer learning journey. Activity 2

Activity 2: Exploring Our Roots

Taika Waititi is a New Zealand filmmaker, director, actor and comedian. 

He has produced and/or directed a number of popular films including “Boy,” 

“Hunt for the Wilderpeople” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” As a child, Taika Waititi 

lived in Raukokore (a small town on the East Coast of New Zealand). When

 he graduated from secondary school Taika moved to Wellington to study 

drama at Victoria University. Despite moving away from home, he has 

never forgotten his family or his roots (where he comes from).

Speaking of roots, Taika comes from a culturally diverse family. 

His dad is Māori (Te Whānau-a-Apanui) and his mother is Russian-Jewish. 

I, on the other hand, am Pākeha (New Zealand European). Most of my 

ancestors come from England. When I talk about who I am, and introduce 

myself to others, I sometimes use a pepeha.

Image Attribution: Taika Waititi, Gage Skidmore, cc-by-sa-3.0

Tena Koutou Tena Koutou Tena Koutu Ka Tua

Ko mt wellington te Maunga

Ko moana te Awa               

 Ko new zealand te iwi

No glen innes ahau*,

Ko Mafua toku pāpā /koroa

Ko Marryan toku māmā/kuia

Ko seta kepa toku whaea/matua

Ko  Mathew toku ingoa

Tena koutou tena koutou tena koutou katoa