Summer Learning Journey:Day 1, Part 1

During the summer holidays, I'm joining a online programme. It is called the Summer Learning Journey. Each day we have to read a text about new zealand and do some activities based around it. The first text for today was about the first people who came to New Zealand. If you would like to find out more about the Summer Learning Journey, then go to this link


Activity One
The first activity asked us to read a story about a man named Maui. Then write three interesting facts about him.

Here is the story in my own words :

Maui had always wanted to go fishing with his older brothers. Each time they would return from a fishing trip, Maui would ask if he could go with them next time. They would make up excuses about why he couldn't come. Things like "You too young" or "We need all the extra space we can get to catch lots and lots of fish." Maui would reply by saying things like "I won't take up much space" and "I promise I'll stay out of trouble." Then his older brother replied "You're so skinny we might mistake you as bait and throw you other board." Maui got angry and murmured under his breath "I'll show them. I'll prove how good I am."

Maui secretly hatched a plan to prove his brothers how good of a fisherman he really is. One night, when he was alone, he wove a fishing line. While weaving, he said a little karakia to help make the line strong and secure. Once he was finished he got a jawbone, which one of his ancestors gave him, and attached it to the end of the line. When the next morning came, he hid inside his brothers canoe. One of the brothers noticed that the canoe was slightly heavier than before. But the other brothers said he was just imaging things and continued to drag the boat to the water. 

None of his brothers had seen Maui hiding in the boat. When Maui heard his brothers drop the anchor, he knew that they were too far from the land to send his back. So he revealed himself to his surprised brothers. One said "What are you doing here?" and another said "You tricked us!" Maui's brothers were all angry at him so Maui spoke up. "I have come here to fish because Murirangawhenua said that I was going to be a great Fisherman." Maui explained to his brothers. After Maui's brothers caught lots of fish, Maui announced that it was his turn. His brothers laughed with mockery. When he asked for bait, his brothers laughed even more. He punched his nose until it bleed. He smeared his blood over the jawbone (at the end of his line). He wriled his line over his head and recited his karakia. He cast his line out to the sea and it sunk to the bottom of the sea. The hook was instantly took. His line pulled hard. His brothers grabbed onto the side of the boat as it got dragged across the sea. Maui's brothers earged Maui to let the line loose, but Maui held onto it tightly. 

He caught the giant fish. "This is the fish our grandmother has gifted to us." said Maui. His brothers greadly eat huge chunks from the giant fishs flesh. The people saw the giant his and declared Maui and the best Fisherman. They also saw how greedy his brothers were and they had eaten so much, the they produced mountains and gails in the fishes flesh. That is how some people think New Zealand was formed. The giant fish (stingray) formed the North Island, Maui's canoe formed the South Island the their ancher created Stewart Island. 

The Three Things I Learnt About Maui-

1) He had a lot of older brothers

2) He persevered a lot and never gave up

3) He turned out to be the best Fisherman there was

Where Else Have I Heard About Maui-

1) How Maui Slowed The Sun

2) Moana (a movie)