Before colonisation Māori parenting took place within the wider whānau. Grandparents were typically responsible for the day-to-day care of their grandchildren (mokopuna) while the parents did other jobs. This continued to occur after colonisation, though the nuclear-style European family arrangement also became common. This photograph shows Takurua Tamarau with his mokopuna Leo, Alfred and Lorna Tamarau in Rūātoki. He is sharing a hongi (pressing noses) with Leo.
Using this item
Alexander Turnbull Library, Making New Zealand Centennial Collection (PAColl-3060)
Reference: MNZ-2659-1/2; F
by H. R. Vine
Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.