Summer Learning Journey - 01-01-18

Summer Learning Journey 2018

Week One: In The Beginning (1800 - 1870)

Day One: Arriving in New Zealand
01-01-18

Activity 1: The First Settlers
Many believe that the first people to come to New Zealand were Polynesians, around 700 years ago.

Maui was a very important figure in Maori mythology. His story 'Maui and the Giant Fish' is well known.

• Although Maui was younger than his brothers, he wanted to keep up with them and be as good as them at activities like fishing. He continuously tried to prove himself to them, and never gave up even when they made it difficult for him. He was resilient and determined.
• He was very persistent and headstrong. Even when his brothers left without him to go fishing and made it very clear they didn't want him there, he still wove a fishing line and hid under the hull of the canoe.
• He was a very good fisherman. When he was on the canoe reciting his karakia, his brothers caught more fish than they even had before. When he left his line down with only a small bit of his own blood on the hook, he managed to catch a huge fish immediately.

Another one of Maui's legends I have heard is of how he slowed the sun. He believed that there wasn't enough time in the day to complete chores and gather food. He didn't want the length of his days to be dictated by the sun anymore. So, he gathered all his whanau and created a mission, to capture the sun and make their days longer. At first, everyone was too afraid to help, but after hearing a recount of all the things Maui had achieved, they decided to assist. First they weaved flax into ropes and gathered supplies, then they were off on their quest. They traveled for 12 days, and on the twelfth night they came across the Sun asleep in his pit. Overnight, they built huts to hide their ropes, and built a wall to shelter themselves. When the Sun awoke at dawn, they all pulled tightly on the ropes and captured the Sun. Using the power of his magic jawbone, Maui ordered the Sun to travel much slower over the sky. Because of this, Maui and his whanau's days were much longer.

Activity 2: Setting Sail

The first settlers of New Zealand had to sail on a waka across the ocean miles away from their homes.

Letter to friend while on board a waka travelling to a new country:

Dear friend,

How is our home? Even though it has only been a few weeks, it feels as if it's been years. The waka is very small and as there are a lot of people aboard, it is very cramped. My arms are sore from all the rowing I have been doing, but as the youngest on board I am allowed a few breaks a day. Although travelling to England is a huge opportunity, I am very nervous. What will the people be like? How about the culture? The weather? The schooling? It's going to be very strange not seeing you and my family everyday, but we can keep in contact over letters once a week. You can tell me about home and school, and I can tell you about the terrifying new things I will be doing here.

Thinking of you always,

Crystal.

Bonus Activity: Waka Ama

There is a sporting competition where both boys and girls race in waka, called 'Waka Ama'.

One day I would love to race in the Waka Ama, as it looks very lively and entertaining. It brings whanau together and sets a goal to work towards. The training for competitive would be a bit too challenging for me, but I would enjoy participating for fun with my friends and family.