Summer learning journey activity 2

Activity 2: Exploring Our Roots

Taika Waititi is a New Zealand filmmaker, director, actor and comedian. He has produced and/or directed a number 

of popular films including “Boy,” “Hunt for the Wilderpeople” and “Thor: Ragnarok.” As a child, Taika Waititi lived in Raukokore

 (a small town on the East Coast of 

New Zealand). When he graduated from secondary school Taika moved to Wellington to study drama at Victoria University. 

Despite moving away from home, he has 

never forgotten his family or his roots (where he comes from).

Speaking of roots, Taika comes from a culturally diverse family. 

His dad is Māori (Te Whānau-a-Apanui) and his mother is Russian-Jewish. I, on the other hand, am Pākeha (New Zealand European). 

Most of my ancestors come from England. When I talk about who I am, and introduce myself to others, I sometimes use a pepeha.

Image Attribution: Taika Waititi, Gage Skidmore, cc-by-sa-3.0