NZQA registered unit standard
16041 version 3
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Title
Explain the place of pūrākau in Māori history
Level
3
Credits
4
Purpose
People credited with this unit standard are able to: explain the
use of pūrākau as a means of transmitting historical knowledge
and supporting social mores and conventions; describe local
and other pūrākau and implications for the history of the areas
concerned; and explain the different perspectives Māori have
towards the purpose and importance of pūrākau.
Classification
Tikanga > Tikanga Concepts
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Local iwi or hapū curriculum aims and objectives take precedence with this unit
standard.
2
The context of the inquiries required should begin with the local rohe or takiwā.
Where local rohe are also occupied by a number of other iwi or hapū, the tangata
whenua or mana whenua view will take precedence. Other iwi or hapū views should
be encouraged in order to enrich and enhance understanding of key Māori kaupapa,
tikanga and take.
3
Definitions of local Māori words and concepts in the local dialect must be verified by
the local iwi and or hapū concerned.
4
Definitions for use in this unit standard include:
Tribal histories and Māori history
Before the arrival of Pakeha, tangata whenua knew themselves and were known by
others as members of a particular tribe or sub-tribe, linked by common descent from
eponymous ancestors. Therefore, the term Māori history is often seen as a
misnomer and the term tribal histories is the preferred term. However, the study of
post-contact history can be viewed from both perspectives as many of the historical
events have had an impact on all Māori. It is intended that the term Māori history as
used in this unit standard is inclusive of both perspectives.
Pūrākau
Pūrākau, or pakiwaitara, can be translated as legends or stories from the past. Like
the stories from the Bible, they are often used to provide models of behaviour or
morals. Furthermore, because they recount the acts of ancestors, purakau can affect
tribal boundaries and inter tribal relationships, and therefore greatly affect the mana
of the descendants of those involved. Like the accounts from the Bible and accounts
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
16041 version 3
Page 2 of 4
from more recent history, the differences between the acts of atua and tangata are
often blurred. This is particularly true where whakapapa can be traced back to atua.
It should be understood that pūrākau are integral to the study of Māori history.
5
Resource support includes but not limited to the following:
Baker, H. P, Behind the Tattooed Face, (Queen Charlotte Sound, NZ: Cape Catley
Ltd, 1975).
Buck, P, The Coming of the Māori, (Christchurch, NZ: Whitcoulls Ltd, 1982).
Best, E, Māori Religion and Mythology, Part 1, (Wellington, NZ: Museum of New
Zealand, 1995).
Māori Land Court Records.
Orbell, M, Traditional Māori Stories, (Auckland, NZ: Reed Books, 1992).
Orbell, M, Māori Myth and Legend, (Christchurch, NZ: Canterbury University Press,
1995).
Wharekura Series, (Wellington, Learning Media).
6
Resource support identified above are examples only and are in no way meant to be
prescriptive. It is envisaged that different areas will access publications and other
resources specific to their area.
7
Differences between iwi and rohe
There are significant differences between iwi and rohe regarding their
understandings and interpretations of pūrākau and pakiwaitara, which should be
acknowledged by the candidate.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Explain the use of pūrākau as a means of transmitting historical knowledge and supporting
social mores and conventions.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The explanation details how symbolism, allegory, imagery and other aspects of
creative description pertain to pūrākau.
Range
evidence of three aspects required.
1.2
The explanation details the use of pūrākau as a means of transmitting historical
knowledge.
1.3
The explanation includes interpretations of pūrākau.
Range
interpretations can include - guidance for social mores; a
whakapapa link back to the beginning; explanations of natural
phenomena; enhance prestige of a kinship group; definition of
tribal boundaries; basis for inter-tribal relationships.
Evidence of three interpretations required.
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
1.4
16041 version 3
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The explanation describes the use of different modes and media to
communicate pūrākau.
Range
modes and media can include - whaikōrero; wānanga; mōteatea;
waiata; whakapapa; whakairo; whakataukī; pepeha; hikoi.
Evidence of three modes or media required.
Outcome 2
Describe local and other pūrākau and implications for the history of the areas concerned.
Range
evidence of two pūrākau required.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The description includes an abridged account of the pūrākau.
2.2
The description details the implications of the pūrākau.
Range
2.3
implications can include - providing guidance for social mores;
providing a whakapapa link back to the beginning; explaining
natural phenomena; raising and maintaining the prestige of a
kinship group; defining tribal boundaries; providing the basis for
inter-tribal relationships.
Evidence of one implication required.
The description identifies the hapū and/or iwi associated with the pūrākau.
Outcome 3
Explain the different perspectives Māori have towards the purpose and importance of
pūrākau.
Evidence requirements
3.1
The explanation includes a comparison and contrast of the different purposes
and uses of myths and legends and the perspectives towards pūrākau.
3.2
The explanation details the integral relationship between pūrākau and whānau,
hapū and iwi history.
Planned review date
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
31 December 2016
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
16041 version 3
Page 4 of 4
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
29 June 1999
31 December 2015
Review
2
19 December 2003
31 December 2015
Rollover and
Revision
3
12 December 2013
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0226
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the NZQA Māori Qualifications Services mqs@nzqa.govt.nz if you wish to
suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
NZQA Māori Qualifications Services
SSB Code 194
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016