Te reo Māori: Developing oral language using the He Hononga Whetū resource 

How to use the cards

Step 1: Introduce the whetū

• Say the name of the whetū together

• Prompt discussion with a simple question such as: What do you think this star might be connected to? 

Step 2: Explore the hononga kupu

• Read the hononga words aloud together

• Use the images on the cards to support meaning

• Use English translations to help understanding 

Step 3: Practise pronunciation

• Use Break words into syllables and practise pronunciation

• Say the words together, then invite learners to try independently

• Play Level 1 – He Hononga Ataata | Visual Connections 

Encourage learners to use the kupu

• Short oral sentences

• Simple written phrases 

Example from the Cards

Waitī – Freshwater

• tuna (eel)

• kākahi (freshwater mussel)

• korokoro (lamprey) 

Learner sentence examples:

• “Waitī looks after tuna, korokoro, and kākahi.”

• “Kākahi are connected to Waitī 

Learning Outcomes

Learners will be able to:

• Correctly pronounce and recognise names of whetū and related hononga kupu

• Use kupu Māori in simple spoken or written sentences

• Explain basic connections between a whetū and its hononga

• Independently play all playing card levels (1–3) 

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