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?
What I learnt about Maui
- I read about the story of Maui and the giant fish. I learnt that he made a fishing line from flax and as he was weaving it he recited an old Karakia to give his fishing line strength.
- Another Maori name for the south island is Te Waka-a-Maui which means The canoe of Maui. This is because Mauis canoe became the South Island and Banks Peninsula is where the place which supported his foot when he pulled up the large fish.
- When Maui was an infant, his mum wrapped him around in a tress of hair from her topknot. Then the ocean spirits found Maui and wrapped him in seaweed. Sharn divine ancestor, Tama-nui-te-ra or Rangi takes Maui and nourishes it to adolescence.
What I have heard about Maui
- He pulled the sun with his hook and made it go slower so we could have a longer day.
- Maui's parents is Taranga (His father) and Makeatutara (His mother.)
- Maui has four brothers.
Hi there Annalisa, my name is Billy and I am from the Summer Learning Journey. I am glad to see you have been blogging. I look forward to blogging with you this summer!
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the Maui and the giant fish activity. I have really enjoyed reading your answers. I had no idea what his parents names were? So thank you.
I love how you talk about Maui 'reciting' a karakia, that's a great word. Well done.
Have you ever been fishing before? Have you ever pulled up something as big as the north island?
Billy
Hey Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYou've got some interesting facts about Maui, I wonder why he was chosen to be the Demi God. I'm also thinking why aren't Maui's brothers are not surprised that their brother's a God?.
Great Work
Jerome;)