How did people store food before fridges? What did people use for weapons, or to get around without cars? Before all of these modern inventions we have now, how did people make it work?
Most of us can’t imagine our lives without the use of modern technology.
Before all of these fancy things, Māori had many inventions they used to get by before the use of modern technology. We have been researching different items that were invented and used in pre-European times.
Rongoā is Maori medicine, Rongoā is often made with New Zealand native plants, Rongoā was used to heal injured warriors as well as it was used every day before Europeans came to New Zealand.
A waka is a water vehicle used by the native Māori people of Aotearoa in pre European times. It was used just as often as we use cars but the waka itself is more like a canoe.
Did you know that the Maori tattoo tool was made out of wood and bird bones? The ink is made out of gunpowder and burnt wood.
Back in the day before Europeans came to New Zealand patu were a popular weapon that the Māori used. Not many people use the patu anymore as we have guns and many other weapons instead. Now, patu are often given as a gift to people.
The Tewhatewha is a weapon used by the Maori for fighting. It was long handled shaped like an axe. It comes to a mata (point) at one end and a rapa (broad, quarter-round head) at the other. It was held in two hands.
What is a tawiri? A tawiri is a flax bag with two wooden handles that you twist to get the juice out of berries. Māori used a tawiri to make titoki berries into an oil. The oil was used for medicinal purposes.
Students in Room 7 have been recreating these items in the form of a model to give a visual display for the Te Mihi celebration of learning. We have a range of items being made like waka, whare, pātaka, poi toa, rongoā.
Looking back is encouraging students to think about the tools we use now and how we could replace them with more natural, environmentally friendly materials.
My journey in education began in 2016 as a teacher aide. My passion only grew as I worked with the students around me, and I began my teacher training.
Wairakei Primary is a place where I myself can continue as a learner and also support the students in my class on their learning journey. There is a real community feel from both the whānau of the school and the staff within, which makes it feel like home.
I moved to Taupō in 2021 for a change of scenery from my hometown of Thames, where I spent most of my life. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with friends and whānau at the beach or riverside in and around the Coromandel.
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