In Drama, kōrero pūrākau refers to stories and storytelling — the narrative expression of knowledge and ideas.

Pūrākau include stories about the creation of the world, or about issues and struggles impacting people, as well as the natural environment.

Accounts or stories associated with the gods and demigods, which tend to focalise local histories, and which are often conveyed orally. The traditional and widely held view of Māori is that pūrākau provide a historical continuum and are an integral part of a tribe’s history. In History, we look at the role these narratives play in the construction and reconstruction of histories.

Pūrākau include stories about the creation of the world, or about issues and struggles impacting people, as well as the natural environment. These stories aren’t always positive and don’t always have a happy ending. They can be adapted and retold in different ways and through different mediums. Pūrākau can be written, spoken, sung, or performed.