Discovering New Zealand: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Discovering New Zealand: A Journey Through Time and Culture

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to talk about the history of New Zealand from 1000 BC onwards, the indigenous people, wildlife and issues with racism.

Introduce the objective of the lesson and explain what students will learn.

What do you already know about the history and culture of New Zealand?

Early Settlement

New Zealand was first settled by Polynesians from the Pacific, known as the Maori, in the 13th century. They referred to the land as 'Aotearoa', meaning 'land of the long white cloud'.

Introduce the early settlement of New Zealand and show pictures of Maori people and culture.

European Arrival

In 1642, Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to reach New Zealand. It wasn't until the late 18th century that Europeans began to settle in New Zealand and establish trade with the Maori people.

Explain the arrival of Europeans in New Zealand and the impact they had on the Maori people.

Treaty of Waitangi

In 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the British Crown and Maori chiefs. The treaty established British sovereignty over New Zealand and guaranteed Maori rights to their land and resources.

Explain the significance of the Treaty of Waitangi and its impact on the Maori people.

Maori Culture Today

Today, the Maori people make up around 15% of New Zealand's population. They have a rich cultural heritage and have contributed greatly to New Zealand's arts, music, and sports.

Show examples of Maori cultural contributions to New Zealand and encourage students to share their own cultural traditions.

New Zealand Wildlife

New Zealand has a unique range of flora and fauna, including the iconic kiwi bird, the kakapo, and the tuatara. Many of these species are endangered due to habitat loss and introduced predators.

Introduce students to the diverse range of wildlife in New Zealand and discuss conservation efforts.

Racism in New Zealand

Like many countries, New Zealand has struggled with issues of racism and discrimination. The Maori people have faced historical injustices and continue to experience inequality in areas such as health, education, and employment.

Discuss the issue of racism in New Zealand and encourage students to share their thoughts and experiences.

Maori Language

The Maori language is an official language of New Zealand and is taught in schools throughout the country. It is an important part of New Zealand's cultural heritage and is celebrated through events such as Maori Language Week.

Introduce students to the Maori language and teach them some common phrases.

Tourism in New Zealand

New Zealand is a popular tourist destination, known for its stunning landscapes, adventure activities, and friendly people. However, tourism can also have negative impacts on the environment and local communities.

Discuss the pros and cons of tourism in New Zealand and encourage students to think about responsible tourism practices.

Famous New Zealanders

New Zealand has produced many famous people, including filmmakers Peter Jackson and Taika Waititi, singer Lorde, and former Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Introduce students to some famous New Zealanders and encourage them to research and present on their own favorite New Zealanders.

Geography of New Zealand

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, as well as numerous smaller islands. It is known for its diverse range of landscapes, including mountains, beaches, forests, and glaciers.

Introduce students to the geography of New Zealand and encourage them to research and present on a specific region of the country.

New Zealand Sports

New Zealanders are passionate about sports, with rugby union being the most popular. The All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, are known around the world for their success and distinctive haka dance.

Discuss the importance of sports in New Zealand culture and encourage students to research and present on a specific New Zealand sport or athlete.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a good understanding of the history and culture of New Zealand, the wildlife, and issues with racism. Remember to be respectful of the Maori culture and to have fun learning about this amazing country!

Summarize the main points of the lesson and encourage students to ask any questions they may have.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.