Whakamarama
Digital Pūrākau and Community Knowledge
Overview
Whakamārama is a digital kaupapa that uses AI-supported tools to help share pūrākau and kōrero ā-rohe in ways that are accessible, creative, and grounded in community authority.
It was developed to respond to a clear gap identified by whānau and kaiako: the lack of area-specific pūrākau and locally relevant learning resources, particularly for tamariki, rakatahi, and whānau in Murihiku.
Whakamārama is delivered by Te Oriori Trust and sits within the wider digital kaupapa of Aho Ira.
What Whakamārama Creates
Whakamārama focuses on the development of:
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pūrākau-based books and colouring books
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digital storytelling resources
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learning tools for kōhaka reo, kura, and community spaces
These resources are designed to be freely shared or low-barrier, ensuring access is not limited by cost or location.
The first Whakamārama book is being translated in collaboration with Te Kōhaka Reo a Murihiku, ensuring the reo is locally grounded and held with care.
The books are structured:
Early Years Edition (0–5 / 0–6 years)Uses simple, gentle language suited to early childhood, supporting listening, observation, and shared reading.Primary Years Edition (7–10 years)Uses the same illustrations and themes, with more detailed language and storytelling appropriate for older tamariki.Colouring Book EditionIncludes a minimum of 12 colouring pages per book, alongside selected illustrated story pages, supporting creative engagement and discussion.
Access and Distribution
Whakamārama books are free to specific education settings and available for purchase by the public.
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ECE centres and kōhaka reo are provided with copies at no cost, distributed through Health New Zealand as part of a joint kaupapa with Te Oriori Trust.
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Kōhaka reo receive a copy of the Whakamārama colouring book, with distribution supported through Health New Zealand.
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Members of the public may purchase copies for home use.
If you would like a copy, please use the Contact button and let us know which book you are interested in. We will provide the relevant Amazon purchase link and details on how to order.
How Whakamārama Began
Whakamārama began in 2023 as one of the first digital tools created by Te Oriori Trust. It emerged from community kōrero and early digital experimentation that explored how AI could be used carefully and ethically to support storytelling, illustration, and learning.
The kaupapa moved into public delivery in 2024, with Whakamārama works shared during Matariki, marking the first time these digital pūrākau were presented to the wider community.
Closing
Whakamārama demonstrates how digital tools, when guided by kaupapa and community values, can strengthen cultural connection rather than replace it.
By supporting the sharing of pūrākau through contemporary forms, Whakamārama helps ensure that local stories remain visible, accessible, and alive for current and future generations.