Tōku pepeha

Creating a digital pepeha was quite a fun activity, but it brought into focus the importance of language and culture in shaping our world view. The way a pepeha is constructed demonstrated the idea that we are all connected to our physical environment, and that wherever we go, our tūpuna are with us. As a first generation New Zealander, this has been difficult for me to connect with, at times, as my experience of growing up in many different places, with only my parents and my siblings as family, has not aligned with this. I think the 'western' perspective is also more individualistic and focused on the present day (even the future) with our attitude to the world around us often being one of ownership, development and wealth creation, rather than one of kaitiakitanga.

Connecting with others is probably one of the most rewarding aspects of a career in education, and engaging in an activity that allows someone to see the world from another perspective is so valuable in forming authentic connections.