The Story before mine
Every story begins long before we're born.
To understand this story, we first honour the stories that came before it.
Before I introduce myself, I'd like to introduce those who came before me.
This introduction is called a pepeha.
In Māori culture, we begin by honouring those who came before us, acknowledging the people, places and whakapapa that shaped who we are.
It's a reminder that none of us stand alone.
We carry the stories, strength and wisdom of those who walked before us.
Below is my pepeha.
Toku Pepeha / My Pepeha
(This is an introduction which is so much deeper than "Hey I'm Des from NZ")
No te taha o toku mama
(Mum's side )
Ko Te Arawa te Waka
Ko Waitahanui me Pongakawa nga Awa
Ko Ngati Pikiao raua ko Ngati Makino nga Iwi
Ko Pukehina raua ko Ōtamarākau ngā Marae
No te taha o toku papa
(Dad's side)
Ko Ruapehu te Maunga
Ko Whanganui te Awa
Ko Aotea te Waka
Ko Te Atihaunui-A-Paparangi te Iwi
What is Whakapapa?
This is about my genealogy, lineage and ancestry from both my parents.
When Maori people ask what's your Whakapapa they're asking where do you come from but if
they're Old School, they're also asking "What shaped you."
What is Pepeha?
This is an introduction that locates me within the world, it's how I introduce myself through
the places and people who came before me. These are not simply locations on a map.
They are part of who I am. It's deeper than me saying "Hi I'm Des and I'm from NZ."
Whakapapa, the interpretation
Every card tells a story. To understand this deck, you first need to understand
the people, places and ancestors who shaped me.
Waka → The ancestral vessel that carried my ancestors to Aotearoa.
Maunga → The mountain that connects me to my ancestors, their stories and the land they called home.
Awa → The rivers that sustained my ancestors and their communities.
Marae → The places where my ancestors gathered, shared stories and honoured life's important moments.
Iwi → The tribal communities whose stories, traditions and ancestors helped shape who I am today.
The People Who Raised Me
I was raised by my grandparents, John and Muriel Anderson in the Bay of Plenty of NZ.
They taught me the importance of kindness, service, faith and caring deeply for others.
Many of the values that guide my work today were first modelled by them around the kitchen table, and everyday conversations and the way they quietly lived their lives.
When people ask where Mana Māori came from, the answer is far bigger than me. It comes from generations of people who shaped how I see the world.
