The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand. The first settlers arrived on New Zealand’s shores after long and arduous waka voyages.

There are a number of differing theories on the origins of the Maori but the fact remains that their arrival here was an amazing feat. Why are the voyages remarkable?

Read about the history of the waka voyages to New Zealand – as you read about the voyages think about the characteristics of the people. What personal qualities did they need? What kind of hardships did they face and overcome?

The Journey of the Maori to Aotearoa

– Maoriara

– Migration 

– From Hawaiki to Aotearoa   

– Maori Traditions and culture

– Early Settlement

– Legend of Kupe 

When you have completed your investigation create a profile of an early Maori settler – someone who travelled on one of the first waka.

Describe their personal qualities, what their journey had been like and how they felt when they arrived in New Zealand.

Write an account of the journey then make a recording of your account – as though you were the voyager recounting the voyage to your grandchildren.

Culture and Heritage

Since their arrival in Aotearoa the Maori have developed a rich and unique culture. They have a tradition of oratory; legends and waiata (songs) are passed on orally (spoken) from one generation to the next. Information is also passed on through carvings and tukutuku panels that adorn buildings on the Marae. The Marae was an integral part of their way of life.

Investigate the traditions and features of Maori culture at the following websites:

– Maori

– Waiata

– Culture

– Maori Culture

As well as researching on the web see if you can visit your local marae to learn more about the history and culture of the Maori people.

Create a slideshow about the unique features of Maori culture. Suggestions to get you started on the content of your presentation: Information about the language, legends, and arts and crafts, the Marae, Waiata…

Legends

Story telling and oral history are important to Maori. There are many legends that are important to Maori. They explain many things, how the earth was created, where New Zealand came from. The kiwi legend explains how the kiwi came to live on the ground and no longer fly. Read the legend.

After reading the legend of how the kiwi lost his wings make slideshow for a junior class that retells the legend.

Use the drawing programs available on your computer to make the illustrations to support your text.

If you are able to record the text so that the slideshow can be viewed as an electronic book.

To learn about including audio in your presentation

– PowerPoint