Whakapapa as a Design Philosophy
A simple Google search might translate whakapapa as "genealogy," but it is far more than that. Whakapapa is central to our tuakiritanga (identity). It grounds us in the present while carrying our tūpuna (ancestors) along the foundations they have laid for us.
More than a human lineage, whakapapa extends to all things—animate and inanimate, as well as spiritual forces and mythical beings. In Te Ao Māori (the Māori worldview), everything traces its whakapapa back to Te Kore, from which came Te Pō . It was in Te Pō that Ranginui and Papatūānuku came to be, and where their children famously separated them, ushering in Te Ao Mārama. This worldview connects us with all things—natural, man-made, or spiritual.
Whakapapa of New Things
Often, I hear the whakapapa recited for things that existed in pre-colonial times—rongoā , tā moko, or taonga pūoro. But discussions around the whakapapa of new things seem much rarer.
Generally, we don’t know much about the things we own—where they come from or how they came to be. In-fact products are often disguised, made to look like something they’re not. You might say their mana (prestige, authority, and integrity) has been trampled on.
In a world saturated with fast fashion and Temu knock-offs, it’s no surprise that much of what we own feels soulless. It takes a deeper level of thought to consider that your notepad was once a tree, or that your plastic lunchbox originated from oil deep underground.
Whakapapa of Products
Just as we introduce ourselves with our whakapapa, I believe objects and products should do the same. Through their look, touch, or any other means, a product should say:
"I am a child of Tāne, in marriage with the rich oils of Papatūānuku, to create what stands in front of you today."
In this sense, whakapapa is not so different from what we call the "supply chain." But there is a critical distinction: whakapapa is acknowledged and contributes to the mana of the end product. A supply chain, on the other hand, is hidden from the consumer, monitored by businesses to optimize efficiency and reduce cost. While those aren’t inherently bad goals, they focus solely on minimizing problems and neglect the value-enhancing elements that whakapapa provides.
Applying a Whakapapa Lens
I’m not suggesting we attempt to uncover the whakapapa of every single thing in our world, Māori or otherwise. That is not my place. However, applying a whakapapa lens to the materials we use and the items we buy introduces far greater value for both creator and consumer. Open acknowledgement of a product’s whakapapa not only enhances it’s mana, but it allows consumers to make better decisions for themselves and for the planet.
Careless consumerism is hurting Papatuānuku. Acknowledging whakapapa may help save her.
