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Story: Parenting

Māori grandfather with grandchildren

Māori grandfather with grandchildren

Before colonisation Māori parenting took place within the wider whānau. Grandparents were typically responsible for the day-to-day care of their grandchildren (mokopuna) while the parents did other jobs. This continued to occur after colonisation, though the nuclear-style European family arrangement became common. This photograph shows Takurua Tamarau with his three mokopuna Leo, Alfred and Lorna Tamarau in Rūātoki. He is sharing a hongi (pressing noses) with Leo.

About this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: MNZ-2659-1/2; F
Photograph by H. R. Vine

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

How to cite this page:

Lesley Patterson. 'Parenting', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 22-Mar-11
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/parenting/2/1