The whakapapa of Kauwhata Reo

14 Whiringa-ā-rangi 2023

The concept He Kauwhata Reo is closely based on a uniquely Māori classification framework developed for the first dictionary written entirely in te reo Māori ‘He Pataka Kupu’.

Each of the words referenced in the dictionary was assigned an atua category as a domain that distinguished the word’s meaning and application positioning it within a form of taxonomy founded in a traditional Māori perspective.

The framework, known as the Kauwhata Atua, refers to the way atua relationships are recited, structured and understood.

The Kauwhata Atua within He Kauwhata Reo provide a structure for how reo Māori resources are grouped/categorised from a te ao Māori perspective.

The framework acknowledges that every iwi recognise different atua and not all Māori acknowledge the same atua Māori. Therefore the decision was made to use those most nationally recognised by all; : Ranginui, Papatūānuku, Tāne, Tūmatauenga, Rongo, Haumia, Tāwhirimātea, Tangaroa, Rūaumoko, Whiro, and Hineahuone.

Guidelines have been developed to support the selection of atua that rauemi may be linked to. Rauemi can be linked to one or more of the 11 atua.