Knowing New Zealand

When I think of New Zealand, a lot of images and icons come to mind.

*an icon is a person or thing regarded as a representative symbol, for example the national flag, Lorde, Sir Edmund Hillary, etc.

Have a think about what images (pictures) you see and think of when you close your eyes and hear or think about the words ‘New Zealand.’

The Flag

The New Zealand flag consists of a blue background which represents the blue sea and the clear skyies which surround us. The southern cross tells people our location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Jack recognises our history and the ties we have the the British colony. The current New Zealand flag was adopted in 1902.

*What else can you find out about the New Zealand flag?

The National Maori flag.

We have 2 flags recognised in New Zealand, the second one is the National Maori flag. It first flew on February 6th

2010. *What day is February 6th? *How many years ago was this?

A competition was launched prior to the final design being chosen, which was that of Linda Munn, Hiraina Marsden and Jan Dobson Smith, who came up with the winning design.

You can see the 3 colours; black, white and red and the koru in the design. Read more about the Elements of the Maori flag here.

There is currently on going debate (discussion) over changing the New Zealand flag. Design your own version of our countries new flag. Include reasons for your choice in colours and design by labeling it.

Extension: Design a new school flag… think about what images and icons make our school what it is. What do you see when you think about our school?

Black singlets and Gumboots.

The farming side of New Zealand has always had a proud place in Kiwis hearts.

When we think of the typical Kiwi farmer, we think of a person wearing a black singletand gumboots.

We also have other vocations to be proud of as New Zealanders, we have fabulous singers, writers, sports people, fashion designers… DESIGN A KIWI’s OUTFIT… Decide which team or occupation you’re designing for and then create an outfit that suits their role.Don’t forget to tell your audience why you chose the things you did, coloursmaterials, the outfit itself.

The Buzzy Bee

The Buzzy Bee is a popular Kiwiana childhood toy, it resembles a brightly colouredbee with wings that rotate (turn around) and makes a clicking sound when it is pulled along the ground.

What history and information can you find about the Buzzy Bee? Did you have a Buzzy Bee when you were little? –What were your first memories of it? -What about another first toy? Write a story/poem/make a poster or other form of presentation about your favourite childhood toy.

Weet-Bix

Weet-bix first came about in the 1890s (how many years ago was that?) -When there were far less breakfast cereals to choose from. There are still some arguments as to whether it is a Kiwi or Australian national food, but either way, New Zealanders love to call it breakfast.

Where is Sanitarium located in New Zealand? What by products of Weet-bix are now produced?What other products does Sanitarium make?

Create a new breakfast product that you would like to trial. Design its packaging and list the ingredients it would have to make it full of goodness for a kiwi kid to learn well at school.

"Aussie/Kiwi Kids are Weet-Bix kids".

Jandals.

They are a favourite piece of footwear for many New Zealanders around the World. Coming in many designs and patterns there is always something to suit everyone.

Design a new pattern for a pair of jandals. You may wish to include something that tells the story of your own culture or background. Or something all about you.