Sharing ancestral stories as purakau is an ancient tradition in Maori culture, used throughout generations to transfer knowledge, teach traditional values, and promote communication. While often incorrectly relegated to the genre of "myths and legends", purakau, as a traditional form of Maori narrative, is central to the sharing of philosophy, knowledge, culture, and worldviews (Lee, 2009). Engaging with shared stories draws heavily on oral language and listening comprehension, important skills for children to engage in the classroom and develop as literacy learners. Despite the cultural significance of purakau and their potential to enhance learning for akonga, research on their effectiveness as a structured resource for early literacy development remains limited. This research project, Nga Purakau o Te Kura o Tuahiwi, explores the impact of Ngai Tuahuriri-specific purakau on literacy and identity development in bilingual and immersion classrooms at Te Kura o Tuahiwi. The study seeks to address the current gap in research by examining how place-based purakau can enhance early literacy development while fostering cultural identity within bilingual and immersion learning environments. Understanding the historical significance of purakau highlights their potential as meaningful tools for early literacy development, particularly in bilingual and immersion settings. Ngai Tahu is a principal iwi governing group in Te Waipounamu me Rakiura. Ngai Tahu has 18 papatipu runanga; these ahi ka take the role of kaitiaki for the unique and plentiful land, sea, and natural resources in their domiciled areas (Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, 2024). At a regional level, each runanga also advocates for the unique needs of their pakeke and tamariki in their work, social spheres, and educational pursuits. This collective voice ensures that Ngai Tahu thoroughly represents their people at every echelon. For the University of Canterbury (UC), the runanga mana whenua group is Ngai Tuahuriri. Their marae is located 32 kilometres out of town in a pa settlement called Tuahiwi. Across the road from the marae is Te Kura o Tuahiwi. Te Kura o Tuahiwi has over 170 tamariki in nine classes: four Level 1 Maori-medium and f ive Level 2 bilingual-medium. Many of their akonga are Maori and whakapapa to the local Ngai Tuahuriri hapu. Te Kura o Tuahiwi is committed to revitalising and retaining te reo Maori and Mau ki Te Ako (Ngai Tahu Education Plan). All akonga learn te reo Maori, and the kura provides a choice of immersion level to whanau. In bilingual-medium classes (Puaka), tamariki follow the "New Zealand Curriculum" (Te Tahuhu o te Matauranga Ministry of Education, 2025a), which teaches literacy and mathematics in English. Teachers use and teach reo Maori focusing on listening and speaking. In Maori-medium classes (Whitireia), tamariki learn in Maori contexts following "Te Marautanga o Aotearoa" (Te Tahuhu o te Matauranga Ministry of Education, 2025b). Literacy and mathematics are taught in te reo Maori. As tamariki progress in reo Maori, English is introduced. All learning is measured against either curriculum document. This research proposed a collaboration between researchers at the Child Well-being Research Institute (CWRI), UC, Ngai Tuahuriri, and kaiako, whanau, and akonga at Te Kura o Tuahiwi in North Canterbury.