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Introduction

In the rich cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand, the pepeha offers a powerful way to introduce yourself and connect with others. For many people seeking therapy, creating a pepeha can be a deeply healing and empowering process that strengthens identity, belonging, and self-understanding.

Whether you are Māori or non-Māori, learning how to create your own pepeha can support your personal growth journey. In online therapy, many clients find that developing their pepeha helps them explore their roots, values, and sense of place in the world.This comprehensive guide will walk you through the meaning, structure, and step-by-step process of creating your own authentic pepeha.

What Is a Pepeha?

A pepeha is a traditional Māori form of self-introduction. It links you to your ancestors, land, and identity rather than focusing solely on individual achievements. Unlike a simple personal introduction, a pepeha tells the story of who you are by connecting you to your whakapapa (genealogy), whenua (land), and tūpuna (ancestors).In modern times, many people — both Māori and tauiwi (non-Māori) — create personal pepeha as a way to express their unique identity, values, and life journey. In a therapeutic context, it can become a meaningful tool for building self-awareness and cultural connection.

Why Create My Own Pepeha?

Benefits for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Creating your own pepeha offers numerous psychological and emotional benefits:Strengthens sense of identity and belonging

1. Enhances self-esteem and cultural pride
2. Helps process experiences of disconnection or cultural loss
3. Supports clarity around personal values and life direction
4. Builds confidence in social and professional settings
5. Can be a grounding tool during times of stress or transition

Many clients in online therapy report that working on their pepeha brings a profound sense of integration and empowerment.

Creating My Own Pepeha: Traditional Structure of a Pepeha

A classic pepeha usually follows this structure (though variations are common and encouraged):Whakapapa / Mountain – Your ancestral mountain (maunga)
River / Body of Water – Your ancestral river or body of water (awa / moana)
Waka – Your ancestral canoe
Iwi / Hapū – Your tribe and sub-tribe
Ancestors – Key tūpuna
Parents / Whānau – Your parents or immediate family
Your Name – Your personal name and meaning
Your Role / Location – Current place and role in the world

For those without direct Māori whakapapa, a contemporary pepeha can be adapted to include birthplace, significant landmarks, family heritage, values, and personal journey.

Step-by-Step: How to Create My Own Pepeha

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Reflect on or research:Where were you born or raised?
What places feel like “home” to you?
What is your family heritage?
What values do you hold most dear?
Significant people, events, or symbols in your life

Step 2: Choose Your Anchors

Select key elements that feel most meaningful:A mountain or significant landmark
A body of water
Your cultural or family background
Core values or strengths

Step 3: Write Your First Draft

Use this simple template as a starting point:Ko [Mountain] te maunga
Ko [River/Water] te awa
Ko [Waka] te waka
Ko [Iwi/Heritage] te iwi
Ko [Ancestor/Parent] [name]
Ko [Your Name] ahau
Adapt freely to make it personal and authentic.

Step 4: Add Your Personal Story

Include elements that reflect who you are today — your passions, values, work, or aspirations.

Step 5: Refine and Practise

Read it aloud. Does it feel right? Share it with trusted people (or your therapist) for feedback.

Example Pepeha (Contemporary / Personal)

Here’s an example of my personalised contemporary pepeha:

Ko Drakensburg te māunga – My mountain
Ko Vaal te awa – My river
Ko Afrikaners te iwi – My tribe
Ko Anna tōku ingoa – My name
Nō Auckland ahau – I am from / My place of standing

Using Your Pepeha in Daily Life and Therapy

Many clients in online therapy use their pepeha in several ways:As an opening in meetings or new groups
As part of personal reflection or journaling
During therapy to explore identity, belonging, or grief
To pass on to children or whānau

Your therapist can support you in creating a pepeha that feels safe, authentic, and meaningful.Cultural Considerations and Respect

Approach this process with humility and respect when creating my own pepeha

If you have Māori whakapapa, consult kaumātua or whānau where possible Non-Māori can create personal pepeha while honouring the cultural origins. There is no “perfect” pepeha — authenticity matters most.

Conclusion

Creating your own pepeha is more than a cultural exercise — it is an act of self-discovery and empowerment. It helps you stand firmly in your identity while remaining open to connection with others.

If you would like support exploring your identity, values, or creating your pepeha in a safe and guided way, online therapy can provide a supportive space for this meaningful work.

At Online Therapy NZ, we welcome clients who wish to integrate cultural identity into their healing journey. Feel free to reach out — we’d be honoured to support you.

References for creating my own pepeha

Durie, M. (2001). Mauri ora: The dynamics of Māori health. Oxford University Press.

Houkamau, C. A., & Sibley, C. G. (2011). Māori cultural identity and psychological wellbeing: A review of key literature and findings. MAI Review, 3, 1–15.

Mead, H. M. (2016). Tikanga Māori: Living by Māori values (Rev. ed.). Huia Publishers.

Royal, T. A. C. (2004). Te whare tapa whā: The four-sided house. Mauriora ki te Ao / Living Universe Ltd.

Smith, L. T. (2021). Decolonizing methodologies: Research and indigenous peoples (3rd ed.). Zed Books.Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. (n.d.). Pepeha. https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/

Wilson, C., & Hōmai, T. (2020). Pepeha as a tool for identity development in rangatahi Māori. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 49(2), 45–53.

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