Learn about kaitiakitanga

Learn about kaitiakitanga and what it means to you.

Kaitiakitanga has been described as guardianship or protection. A kaitiaki is a guardian, keeper, preserver, conservator or protector. The addition of the suffix ‘tanga’ denotes preservation, conservation and protection.

Explore the concept of kaitiakitanga, what it means for individuals and what it means for te moana and te taiao.

Background information

• Understanding kaitiakitanga – article

Teaching resources

• Kaitiakitanga o te moana – looking after the environment: watch a LEARNZ video and answer questions – Word document

• Kaitiakitanga o te moana – concepts: read or listen to a LEARNZ article and complete a conceptual diagram – Word document

• How different people show kaitiakitanga – videos and responses: watch three videos and analyse the responses – Word document

• Taking care of our kupu: read an article and consider how and why we use the words ‘kaitiaki’ and ‘kaitiakitanga’ – Word document