Welcome to the first week of the summer Learning Journey. For our first week, we are going to be learning all about the land habitats here in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is going to be a great adventure!
According to Maori mythology, much of Aotearoa New Zealand was formed when Māui, a powerful demigod, fished it out of the sea. Legend has it that Māui created a magical fish hook from the jawbone of his grandmother and that one day he took his hook, boarded a boat, and rode out into the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Once at sea, he threw his magical hook into the water and caught a fish. This ‘fish’ was actually the North Island of New Zealand! In honour of this legend, the North Island of New Zealand is sometimes referred to as Te Ika a Māui or ‘Māui’s fish’ and the South Island of New Zealand is sometimes referred to as Te Waka a Māui or ‘Māui’s canoe’.
‘Top 3 Fun Facts’ about NZ in your own words
1. 'Kiwi" is also used as a nickname for a New Zealander.
2. In New Zealand, they always drive on the left side of the road.
3. The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa.
2 comments:
Hi Tyra
I hope you are enjoying reading about New Zealand and learning a lot of new facts about Aotearoa. Keep up with your blogging and keep learning about New Zealand.
Kia ora Tyra,
Welcome to the Summer Learning Journey programme for this year. It is so great to see that you have joined us this summer. Welcome!!
My name is Rachel and I am working with the SLJ team this year in the Manaiakalani cluster. This is actually my fourth summer with the programme and I absolutely love it! I really enjoy reading student's blogs and posting comments. I often find that I learn new things. In your post today I was reminded that the Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa. Do you know where that name came from? I believe that it is the Maori term for 'land of the long white cloud.' It's a very special name, I reckon.
Speaking of special things, I hope that you are having a great day today and a special time with friends and family. I am spending the day with my family, eating, visiting and blogging!
I hope to see you online again soon. Keep up the great work with the SLJ!
Cheers,
Rachel
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