My first words about Tikanga Māori

Stacey Morrison is a well-known Māori language champion and broadcaster who herself didn’t learn to speak Māori until she was an adult. She notes it required a lot of research, determination, wonderful mentors, and the support of a community to achieve her goal of becoming fluent by the time her children were born.  Her illustrated guide to Māori customs and practices, and the special words we use when talking about tikanga (a companion book to My first words in Māori) will help others on their te Reo journey - whether as a child or adult. Each of the terms has a short explanation of the meaning and some words and concepts relevant to it. With vibrant illustrations drawn by young Māori artists labelled in Māori and English, each page takes readers on a tour of various settings and situations, explaining the words, phrases and concepts we might encounter. 

This is the perfect book to strengthen your language journey and to provide an insight into what makes the Māori worldview so special. Whether you grew up in Aotearoa and see tikanga principles in action or are a new visitor to these shores, you will find this book a great start to understanding the deeper meaning of these practices. Tikanga are Māori customary practices or behaviours, to act in accordance with tikanga is to behave in a way that is culturally proper or appropriate. Tikanga helps to ensure processes and decisions are just and fair, and includes principles of respect, care, balance, and relationship building.

Stacey notes one of the first steps to understanding tikanga is being open to learning. This illustrated book would be a good start for anyone’s learning journey, as it will give you a good grasp of the basics of tikanga Māori, and perhaps even the confidence to introduce yourself during a mihimihi or to have a go at a karakia kai if asked to bless the food. 

Review by Kim Higginson, Library Management Specialist, MHF