Paying It Forward

In the mid-1930's, things began to change for the better in New Zealand. More people were able to find work and receive a steady paycheck. They were still careful, however, with their money and rarely, if ever, brought treats or gifts for one another. For this task we have to imagine that we are able to travel back in time to visit a family in the 1930's and give them gifts. I personally would take the Harry Potter books back because I believe that reading is important and these books are interesting to almost everyone. I would also like to take back some Cadbury chocolates like Boost and Crunchie bars.

Offering a Helping Hand

During this period, people struggled to find work both here at home and overseas. It was a really tough time for people living in the great plains of the United States because they were hit with a huge drought that lasted for most of the decade. Many of the crops were damaged an farmers were not able to make enough money to feed their families. For this activity we have to imagine we are there and have think up three ways to help make money for our family's. 

1. In summer grooming all the cats around the town.

2. Find and remove fleas in homes.

3. Go hunting with family and sell some of the meat.

Dealing with Stress

In New Zealand, many people lost their jobs during this decade. Experts predict that as much as 30% of the population was unemployed. It was a very stressful time for families. For this task we have to write about how we deal with stress. When I am stressed I like to read, or maybe watch a YouTube video, or possibly draw. When I am working on something at home to help me work I like to listen to some music, to help keep me calm and on task.

Crossing the Tasmen

In 1928, a crew of four men flew, for the first time, across the Tasmen from Australia to New Zealand. One of the men on board the Southern Cross airplane was a New Zealander named T.H. McWilliams. His job was to operate the radio in the airplane. Unfortunately, the radio stopped working shortly after take-off and the rain and ice were so heavy that the pilot, Kingford Smith, couldn't see out of his front windscreen! For this task we had to imagine if we were part of the crew, and to write a poem about how we would have felt when they landed safely in Christchurch after the long trip. I chose to write a Limerick, here it is.

Oh sunshine, oh beautiful sunshine.

Finally outside, trees twine.

Flowers everywhere are blooming.

Bees are always zooming.

Oh sunshine, oh beautiful sunshine.

Art Deco

In the 1920's a new artistic movement emerged in New Zealand (and around the world). It was called the 'Art Deco'. For this activity we have to rate a painting in this style out of five. (1 star= terrible painting 2 stars= pretty bad painting 3 stars= okay painting 4 stars= good painting 5 stars= amazing painting). I personally give it five out of five I love this painting, it is very detailed and look very realistic. The shading is awesome too. Here is a photo of the painting, this is Self Portrait by Tamara de Lempicka.

The Silent Movie

The 1920's saw a massive surge in the number of people going to movies. Huge new cinemas were built in both Auckland (The Civic Theatre) and Dunedin (Empire De Luxe). The most popular type of movies showing at New Zealand cinemas were 'silent' films. For this task we have to try and figure out what the movie is about and do you think you would enjoy watching a silent film. For this I am doing it on the Lion Cage, this clip I got to watch was hilarious. It is about a man who is being chased by a donkey into a lion's cage, and accidentally locks himself into the cage with the lion. Lucky the lion is asleep on the floor. Here is the clip if you want to watch it.

In Flanders Fields

As the new century dawned, New Zealand settled into a period of relative calm. The calm lasted for about 15 years but came to a sudden end in 1914 when World War 1 erupted in Europe. The war lasted almost five years and claimed the lives of 18,000 New Zealanders. It also claimed the lives of thousands of men and women from countries around the world. Ever year, we remember these brave men and women on A.N.Z.A.C. day. There is one important poem that is read out called 'In Flanders Fields', it's written by John McCrae. For this task we had to read this poem and think do we like it? How does it make you feel? I love this poem, it tells the horrors of the war and how we are so lucky that we do not have to go through that violence, and uncertainty of whether we are going to make into tomorrow! I myself do not know how I would feel having that going around me, it's terrifying because of how easily war could break out! 

The Right To Vote

At the turn of the century, New Zealand elected its first ever government. Richard John Seddon served as the leader of the Liberal Party from 1893 - 1906. Prior to 1893, only men were legally allowed to vote. This all changed in the late 1800s when a women named Kate Sheppard. New Zealand was the first country to let women vote. For this task we have to write what we think about the fact that women are not allowed to vote in Saudi Arabia until 2015. I don't think that is very fair. Women are just as important as men, men may have a small physical advantage but women are quite intelligent. Over all women are great at making those sorts of decisions.

St Joseph's Cathedral

At the turn of the century, there was a great deal construction happening in New Zealand. Many of the new British settlers wanted to build homes and community meeting places, such as churches. One of the largest building to be constructed during this time was St Joseph's Cathedral in Dunedin. For this task we have to search up another famous cathedral. Here is the cathedral I chose to use, this is the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran in Rome, Italy.

Photo taken by Jim, the Photographer  

 It was built in 311 to 314 it took three years to build but it had to be rebuilt multiple times.

#Earn The Fern

After the Treaty of Waitangi was singed, New Zealand became a British colony. Many other countries in the world are also British colonies including Canada, South Africa, Australia, India and Malaysia. As a group they are called, the 'Commonwealth' countries. For this activity we had to think of four questions we would like to ask Bill Kini, Bill Kini is a New Zealand heavyweight boxer. Here are my questions I would like to ask him.

1. What inspired you to become a boxer?

2. Did you ever dream, that you would go this far when you started boxing?

3. Who is your biggest supporter?

4. When you where younger was this your dream job, if not what was?

The Treaty of Waitangi

On 6 February 1840, a very special document was signed by the Maori chiefs and the British settlers in New Zealand. It was called the Treaty of Waitangi. For this task we have to find three fun things you can do in Waitangi as a visitor. One thing you might enjoy visiting the treaty ground and watching a live Kapa Haka. Maybe even take a tour along the Waitangi river. When I am older I would like to visit the treaty grounds.

Translating Phrases

Unlike Maori, many of the European settlers didn't speak Te Reo Maori. Instead the spoke English. As you can imagine, it was very difficult for the two groups to communicate because they didn't have a dictionary or translator. For your task we have to translate five phrases with google translate.

Phrases
1. Nau mai ki Aotearoa,                            Welcome to New Zealand
2. Tia is my name,                                       Ko Tia toku ingoa
3. What is your name?                                  He aha to ingoa
4. He pai taku ki te takaro i te whutupaoro.   I like to play ruby
5. Where do you come from?                         No hea koe?

Musical Festivals

In  New Zealand, a huge festival is held every two years, called Te Mataini. This performing arts festival celebrates the tikanga of Maori. For this task we got to watch three videos from previous years and rank them 1st your favorite to 3rd lest favorite.  I'm starting at number three, this is here because in my opinion it was very bald and boring. Here is a link to the video. Number two, much better than the second, great vocals. This one is here because it is in my opinion it's much better than the other one but is missing one thing which make my top pick my favorite. Here is a link to the video. Finally number one. This is my favorite because, not just the vocals but there is a lot of energy and movement. This is my top pick.

Playing Games

Hundreds of years ago, young Maori children where taught a number of different games. For this task we had to pick one game they use to play. 

I choose Poi Rakau, this game is to help with hand eye coordination. 

Rules pass the rakau without hitting other players or dropping it. If one player throws it with their left hand other players must throw it back with their right and so on.

Here is a link to more information about the game

Waiata

In  the past Māori would often use songs to pass down information. Here is a site with some more information about waiata.

For this activity we had to chose your favorite waiata. Mine is E Papa, it's a simple song. It's a bouncy song that quickly gets suck in your head.

My Pepeha

For this activity we are writing our Pepeha, Pepeha is the way you intorudus yourself in Maori going back into your mountain and river. Here is a video to help explain how to write one.

Here is My Pepeha.

Ko Maunga Hutt te maunga

Ko Avon te awa

Ko Ōtautahi ahau

Ko Seaton rāua ko Lauren ōku mātua

Ko Tia tōku ingoa

English Translation

The Mountain I affiliate to is Mount Hutt
The river I affiliate to is Avon River
I am from Christchurch.
My parents are Seaton and Lauren.
My name is Tia.

Fun Family Facts

 Every family is different. For this activity we have to ask three family members two things they like doing in summer, and two fun facts about yourself.

Mum

• Water fights with family
• Eating fresh raspberry's from the garden
• Can make two types of grass whistles 
• Use to play with slaters.

Gran

• Taking caravan trips around New Zealand.
• Doing the garden.
• She crossed rope bridge in Ireland, while on holiday.
• Clambering over rocks to the north most point in Australia

Granddad

• Sight seeing e.g. seeing the natural countryside
• Enjoying the sunshine
• Went to Uluru (Ayres Rock), Alice Springs in Australia
• Went to Alaska and Russia

The More The Merrier?

In the 1800's most family's where pretty big, with seven to nine children. For this activity we have to explain whether or not we would like to live in a big family like that. I would like to live in a big family because they will always be there for you, but it will be annoying being surrounded by so many people at once, and want some personal space. Overall I think I would enjoy living in a big family.

My Favorite Food

In the 1800's most Maori ate a simple diet. For this task we had to write about our favorite food. Mine is Sweet and Sour Meatballs, they are from my mum's old cook book from when she was growing up. I enjoy helping make them, they are quite easy to make. Here is a photo of what they look like when they are cooking.

CCO

Here is the recipe.

Dream Job

For this activity we drew a picture of us doing our dream job. My dream job would be an author, I enjoy writing stories. Here is my google drawing.

House or Home

For this task we have to name two differents and similarities to our modern homes and the Wharepuni of the Māori.

Similarities

• Where we sleep, our modern house we have our bedrooms, and Wharepuni is where they slept.
• They are in a village or pa which is what the lived in Māori, or town (modern day), they are near other buildings like other homes.

Differents

• The Māori Wharepuni where completely made of natural sources, such as wood and ferns. Our houses may have wood in the walls but have some man made materials like, concert supports.
• We have electronic lights in every room, but the only light the Māori had would be fire.

Waka Ama

Waka Ama is a boat race with waka, for boys and girls.

Here is a video of the 2014 National Sprints Master Men 500m Final.



For this task we were asked if one day we would like to be in Waka Ama. I would really like to, because I think I would be good at it and give it my best. Also because I enjoy a challenge, and I would love to take the opportunity, that is a one in a million experience that if I decide to take will change my life, Also I think it will be very exciting.

Setting Sail

Māori traveled in boats called Waka they are long and skinny, a like canoes and maded of wood.

For this task we wrote a short letter about our vogue to a friend. Here is mine.

Dear Friend

I know it's been a long time since we last wrote and I know that this won't get to you for sometime. I know we will probaly get there when you get this. It feel like forever, moving up and down with the waves, all tired from late nights not being able to sleep at all. It's very cold the water almost every where we look. I hope the we will find land soon.
Miss you

From Your Friend.


Dear Friend

We have not been able to find very much writing materials, but I found this old letter I started weeks ago traveling in the Waka. It's been a long time since we last saw each other hopefully we will meet again. The land feels strange and firm, we are all used to the rocking waves. It's beautiful here, I wonder if you and your family will come. It's nice and green, there is so much to explore. I hope you get this, one day.
Miss you

From Your Friend.

Māori Mythology: Māui and the Giant Fish

Māui and the Giant Fish is a very interesting story, about how Māui fished up New Zealand. Here is a link to the website.

Three facts I learnt about Māui..

1. He was determinded person who did amazing things for his people.
2. He was intelligent and thought outside the box when he was making his plans.
3. He was very resilient he didn't give up when his brothers didn't let him go fishing with them, and made a plan so he could fish with them and didn't give up.

I have also hear of two other tales of Māui's adventures like Māui slowing down the Sun as well as Māui and Fire.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It's been a long day. Our performance is in three days it's so exiting. Today we went through our whole performance, it's looking amazing. Here are a few photos of our practice. I also have been doing a little work on my zebra walk which is a lot of fun!

 Here is a photo of the Circle of Life opening number, the presentation of baby Simba

Here is the closing number of Circle of Life, King Simba welcomed home.