Day 4: Hitting a High Note…
Activity 1: The Waiata - A Song in Your Heart
In the past, Māori would often use song as a way of sharing information or communicating emotions. A waiata is the name given to a traditional Māori song. One of my all-time favourite waiata is Kia Paimarie. What about you?
poi-e
Use Google to research traditional Māori Waiata. Listen to a number of Waiata and read the lyrics. On your blog tell us which one of the waiata you found you like the most. Why do you like it? poi e because there is a part for girls only and boys only
Activity 2: Playing Games 
Hundreds of years ago, young Māori children were taught to play a number of games, including Poi Rakau, Ki O Rahi, Koruru Taonga and Poi Toa. Read about each of these four games on the Rangatahi tu Rangatira website. Have you played any of them before? Poi Rakau is restricked, I have not played nor heard of Ki O Rahi, / Isn’t it cool how the games have been passed down for generations?
Choose one game, and on your blog, tell us the (i) name of the game, (ii) the goal or purpose of the game, and (iii) two rules.
Name:
Kōruru
Also known as 'knuckle bones'
What you need:
- 5 stones the same size, similar to the size of a 20c coin
Floor space
How to play:
Throw stones up
Rules:
I don't think there are any
You could try playing some of the games with a friend.
Bonus Activity: Musical Festivals – Matatini
In New Zealand, a huge festival is held every two years, called Te Matatini. This performing arts festival celebrates the tikanga (culture or customs) of Māori. Kapa Haka groups from around New Zealand are invited to attend the festival and each group gives a 25-minute performance. The performances are judged and the best teams win prizes.
Watch these three clips from previous Te Matatini festivals.
On your blog, rank the performances from your favourite (#1) to least favourite (#3) and tell us why you gave them the ranking that you did.