rehitanga

Rehitanga is a term originating from the Māori language of New Zealand. It broadly translates to "heritage," "lineage," or "ancestry." It encompasses the ancestral lines, genealogical history, and the inherited traditions, knowledge, and values passed down through generations within Māori families and iwi (tribes). Understanding one's rehitanga is considered fundamental to Māori identity, connecting individuals to their past, their ancestors, and their place within the wider community and the natural world. It informs social structures, responsibilities, and the transmission of cultural practices. Rehitanga is not merely a passive inheritance but an active connection that shapes present-day life and future aspirations for Māori people. It highlights the importance of whakapapa, the genealogical chart that traces connections, as a core element of understanding rehitanga. This concept emphasizes continuity and the enduring influence of ancestors on the living.