Our interconnectedness explored through whakapapa

Based on the knowledge I gathered by interviewing women for the Unquiet Women series and the findings from the Asia New Zealand Foundation’s 2018 Perspectives of Asia and Asian Peoples from a Te Ao Māori Perspective report, I could determine a few themes to further explore the similarities across Asian and Māori cultures.  

I decided to begin with the concept of whakapapa as I had always wanted to know why Māori introduced themselves through their mountain and rivers. It revealed the depth of whakapapa, often translated as ancestral connections. 

What is whakapapa? 

In the heart of Aotearoa, Māori hold a worldview deeply rooted in the intricate relationships between humans, ancestors, and the natural world. This interconnectedness is embodied in the concept of whakapapa, a complex and multi-layered understanding of genealogy that goes far beyond a simple family tree. 

It is a narrative of creation, kinship, responsibility, and the profound ties that bind us to the land, the sea, the sky, and all living beings. When Māori introduce themselves, they often reference their mountain and rivers. This is not simply a matter of geography; it's a way of acknowledging their ancestral ties to the land and their place in the natural world. In my interview with Tania Te Whenua, an honorary adviser for the Asia New Zealand Foundation, she explained, 

 "When we speak, we are defining ourselves through reference to key geographic features.” 

“As Māori, we always look back to a time before we as individuals came into the world and discuss our relationship with the communities to which we belong, which have shaped our identity. And becoming the people that we are so we have relationships with communities and people. We say we also have relationships to place.  

“Our identity is 100% shaped by our whakapapa connections to both people and place.  That's why when we open as Māori, we always acknowledge talking about our identity; we always acknowledge our relationships and those various dynamics. And it's also important to note that when we are speaking, it's a demonstration of our mana when speaking about where we came from.” 

As I got curious, Tania explained to me the story of creation that is often narrated by Māori. It is referred to as “Te Kore” or “The Void” where we are reminded that “in the beginning there was nothing, it was a void in which nothing could be possessed, it was a void in which nothing could be felt, it was a void in which nothing was in a union.”  

“The void without boundaries. From the void came the night. It was the great night, the long night, the deep night, the intense night, the dark night, the night within which nothing could be seen and the intense dark night, within which nothing existed.”  

The narration then elaborates on how the night was a prelude to the world of light or enlightenment, which led to the creation of the world – the natural world, the mountains, the rivers, the forests, and all the beauty of the natural world. As a practicing Muslim, I was surprised by this narration about the existence of The Void as it bears similarities to the Islamic perspective of creation  

I understood that the mountain and the river represent the source of life, sustenance, and spiritual connection. They are symbols of identity, belonging, and the responsibility to care for the environment. By referencing their mountain and rivers, Māori individuals affirm their connection to their ancestors and their commitment to upholding the values and traditions of their culture.  

More importantly, whakapapa provides a framework for understanding the world and our place in it. It teaches us that we are not separate from nature but integral to it. This understanding fosters a deep respect for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its well-being. It's a reminder that our actions have consequences that ripple through generations, affecting not only ourselves but also the land, the water, and all living creatures.  

Whakapapa is not just a genealogical record; it's a living narrative passed down through generations, shaping Māori identity and worldview. It's a reminder of our origins, our connection to the land, and our responsibility to protect it. Through sharing stories, singing waiata (songs), and performing traditional rituals, Māori people strengthen their connection to their ancestors and cultural heritage. It's a way of honouring the past, celebrating the present, and ensuring a vibrant future for future generations.  

A Universal Resonance 

The Māori concepts of whakapapa and kaitiakitanga resonate with other cultures worldwide, including many Asian and religious traditions. The reverence for ancestors, the interconnectedness with nature, and the emphasis on intergenerational responsibility are themes that transcend cultural boundaries. 

When I interviewed Anjum Rahman, project leader of the Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tūhono, or Season 1 of Our Connectedness, she drew a parallel between the Māori concept of kaitiakitanga and the Islamic concept of khalifa, or vicegerent. In both traditions, humans are seen as caretakers of the earth, entrusted with the responsibility to protect and nurture the environment. This shared understanding of our role as guardians of the earth is a powerful message that can unite people across cultures and inspire collective action to address our environmental challenges. 

A Tapestry of Connection and Responsibility 

The Māori story of creation and whakapapa offers a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all things.  

It reminds us that we are not separate from nature but integral to it. By embracing whakapapa, we can learn to live in harmony with the environment, honour our ancestors, and create a sustainable future for all.  

This message resonates with people of all cultures and backgrounds, reminding us of our shared humanity and our responsibility to care for the planet we call home. It is a call to action to protect and nurture the earth, not just for ourselves but for the seven generations. 

-Asia Media Centre