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?
Fact 1: Maui was the youngest out of his four older brothers named Maui-taha, Maui-roto, Maui-pae and Maui-waho.
Fact 2: Maui is Aoetearoa's (New Zealand) greatest warrior. He never gave up even when times were hard.
Fact 3: Maui protects his people and looks after them just like he protects himself with the danger ahead of him.
I have storys about Maui like how he pulled down the sun, pulled up and discovered islands and many more storys im sure you have heard of.
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…
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?
BONUS POINTS: 10
Hey there Chance, my name is Billy and welcome to the Summer Learning Journey. It's great to see that you've completed three activities already!
ReplyDeleteI was impressed with the three facts you have included about Maui. I was amazed that you knew the names of his brothers too! Well done, how did you know those?
Have you ever been fishing?
Billy
Hey Billy, Thanks for the lovely comment. I found out who the brothers were while reading a story all about how Maui found his mother and brothers. Yes I have been fishing before mostly with my uncle's or Dad. I would love to see your work too! If you would like can you send me a link to your blog? Thanks, Chance
DeleteAwesome, I've fished a little bit but I've never really had much patience to stick it out.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a blog, I work for Rachel on the Summer Learning Journey programme. I am just here to motivate and comment with all of you bloggers!
Thanks, Billy
Hi Chance,
ReplyDeleteMy name's Ruby and I'm one of the people who will be blogging with you alongside Billy and Rachel during the Summer Learning Journey. It's great to see that you've been working on these activities! Well done.
Good work with your letter! I'm sure that a lot of the original settlers would have been very nervous and scared. What sorts of things do you think they would have seen while they were on their journey? I think they would have seen some amazing things out there in the ocean!
I feel the same way about Waka Ama racing. Have you ever been on a kayak or a canoe before? That would be similar to being in a Waka. I have been in one a few times but I get so sea sick that it's never any fun!
I look forward to reading more of your blog over summer.
Cheers,
Ruby.