Whale Rider Glossary

Who is Paikea?

• The speaker of the novel

• The little girl in the story

• The Mythical Whale Rider

• The Old Bull Whale

What does Whakapa mean?

• Maori language

• Maori genealogy

• Father

• Maori customs

What does 'te reo' mean?

• Maori culture

• Maori language

• Welcome

• Tribe

What does Tikanga mean?

• Maori food

• Maori customs

• Maori language

• Maori lineage

What is the name of the movement seeking to reverse the decline in Maori society, and revitalise the language and culture. 

What is the name of the language nests where all lessons were conducted in the Maori language?

What is an iwi?

• Hut

• Whale

• Tribe

• Spear

What does whanau mean?

• Sister

• Uncle

• Extended family

• Cousins

The brave, independent ancestress of Nani Flowers?

The meeting grounds of the village, where Kahu’s birth cord is buried.