Summer Learning Journey 2017 | Week 1

In the Beginning (1800 - 1870)
Day 1 - Arriving in New Zealand

Activity 1 | The first Settlers

It is widely believed that the first people to arrive in New Zealand came from Polynesia. Most historians believe that they landed in New Zealand over 700 years ago. Although they were originally from many different countries, these settlers learned to live together and, eventually, formed their own distinct culture known as ‘Māori.’  Māori have their own language, traditions, and culture.

Follow this link to read a short story about a famous man in Māori mythology – Maui. On your blog, post three facts that you learned about this interesting man. What other stories have you heard about Maui?

Maui | Three interesting facts

- Maui owns a fishhook that is made out of a jawbone his ancestor, Murirangawhenua gave him which he then tied to some flax.

- While Maui was fishing, the canoe he was in with his brothers is now known as the south Island of New Zealand, and the fish he caught with his hook is the north Island.

- Whenever Maui says his old karakia, it always helps him in difficult situations.

Other Stories | Maui

- Maui and the Sun
- Maui and Tuna

Activity 2 | Setting Sail

The first settlers to come to New Zealand must have been really brave! They had to leave their original homes and sail thousands of miles across the ocean on a special boat called a ‘waka’ to reach New Zealand.

Imagine that you were on board one of the wakas. On your blog, write a short letter to a friend telling them about your voyage to New Zealand. In the letter be sure to tell them how you feel about moving to a new country. If it was me, I would have felt really nervous…

My Letter to a Friend

Dear Mikaela,

I will be going to New Zealand, a new Continent we have just found! I was excited when they asked me to join them on their voyage, but whenever I think about it, I just feel so anxious. I mean, I don't know what to except! A lot of things has been going through my mind lately, I think getting a letter back from you will help me calm my nerves.

Well, wish me luck on my voyage!

From, Aaliyah

Bonus Activity | Waka Ama

To this day, the people of New Zealand still use waka. Instead of using their waka to transport them from one place to another, they sometimes use waka in special events and in sporting competitions such as Waka Ama. Both boys and girls compete in Waka Ama boat races.

Watch this short video of a Waka Ama race. On your blog tell us whether you would like to be in a Waka Ama race one day. Why or why not?

Waka Ama | Will I join or not?

Well, to be honest I wouldn't want to be in a Waka Ama race because judging by the people in the wakas, it seems like you need a lot of muscle to get past that finish line. But other then that, I think it looks like a great sport to participate in, but just not the sport I would enjoy playing.