Paniora hapū in the Spanish classroom

Explore whakapapa, identity and Spanish heritage through the stories of the Paniora hapū
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Imagine uncovering a piece of history that binds Aotearoa and Spain together — one that spans generations, language, migration, memory and identity. This workshop invites Spanish language teachers into the story of the Paniora hapū, a community whose lineage is believed to trace back to Manuel José de Frutos, a Spaniard who settled in New Zealand in the 1800s. Together we will watch scenes from the documentary Debajo de tus pies, explore the legacy it presents, and reflect on how the Paniora story can become meaningful, culturally rich teaching material. This is a chance to see Spanish not just as grammar and vocabulary, but as whakapapa, connection, and lived experience.

When and Where:

12th November 2026, 4:30pm
The course is delivered in-person in Wellington or Online by request.

Registrations open 29th October and close 11th November, 2026

What we will cover:

60-minute hybrid session — online or in person at the Spanish Embassy in Wellington — where we will view selected moments from Debajo de tus pies and El clan español de Nueva Zelanda, discuss the cultural significance of the Paniora hapū, and collaborate to design learning activities for the classroom.

Together, participants will create activities that highlight Spanish traditions, the Paniora connection, and pathways for integrating mātauranga Māori meaningfully into language teaching.

Eligibility:

Designed for Spanish language teachers across Aotearoa with interest in culture-based learning, identity and classroom resource creation.
Language of delivery: Spanish and English

Why this workshop supports stronger Spanish teaching and cultural confidence:

Culture-rich language teaching builds deeper connection than vocabulary lists alone — and the Paniora story offers teachers an authentic, uniquely New Zealand way to explore Spanish identity. By working collaboratively, sharing ideas and designing resources together, teachers gain practical ways to incorporate history, film and lived heritage into their teaching. This workshop strengthens pedagogy by helping teachers weave cultural understanding into communication tasks, building confidence, curiosity and relational learning.

Cost:

Language Circle is funded to provide professional learning for provisionally and fully registered Primary, Intermediate and Secondary teachers throughout Aotearoa New Zealand.

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