Time: 4 periods
Learning Objectives:
Students will identify and research native flora and fauna of the Howick and surrounding area.
Students will explore the concept of Taiao and its significance in Māori culture.
Key Concepts:
Taiao: The natural world, encompassing all living and non-living things.
Whakapapa: Genealogy and interconnectedness of all things.
Mauri: Life force or essence.
WHAT DO YOU ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THE PLANTS ANIMALS AND WATERWAYS OF HOWICK AND LOCAL AREA [INC PAKURANGA, BEACHLANDS, BUCKLANDS BEACH ETC]? write your answers on the shared google Doc
Divide into small groups to research one of the subtopics below:
Native birds of Howick (pīwakawaka, tūī, kererū, etc.)
Native plants of Howick (pōhutukawa, kauri, harakeke, etc.)
Moana (sea life): Focus on the Hauraki Gulf (fish, shellfish, seabirds)
Wai (freshwater): Focus on local streams and rivers (inanga, koura, eels)
Some guiding questions for research:
What are the physical characteristics of this species?
What is its role in the ecosystem?
Does it have any special significance in Māori culture?
Are there any threats to its survival?
what type of environment does it exist in?
Team up and dive deep into your topic! Discuss the questions, research together, and brainstorm ideas. Your teacher will combine your group's amazing discoveries into a helpful resource that will inspire your artworks for the coming weeks.
Observation Walk 1 lesson
Let's connect with the Taiao! We'll take a walk outside and immerse ourselves in nature. Open your senses to the sights, sounds, and textures around you. Capture the beauty of the environment through photos or sketches.
Waipaparoa is the early Māori name for the general area adjacent to our schools. Throughout history, the local estuaries and waterways have been an abundant source of sustenance for the local people. Fish were plentiful, particularly flounder among other species. Seafood gathering played a large part in the health and growth of the area, fishing has always been the main focus for kai moana and is still very important in the lives of many residents today.
has a variety of landscapes including coastal native bush, farmland, and a unique estuary and salt marsh habitat.
The reserve is named after the mangemange - a twisting, climbing fern found in native bush. This fern was used by Māori to tie raupō thatch to manuka-framed whare (huts) and for making hinaki (eel traps)
Along the forest track, listen out for some of our native birds, including the tūī, kererū (NZ pigeon), pīwakawaka (fantail), tauhou (silvereye) and riroriro (grey warbler). In the estuarine areas, pūkeko and moho-pereru (banded rail) prefer mangroves and rushes, the muddy channels favoured by kōtare (kingfisher), white-faced heron, a variety of shags and tōrea (oystercatchers).
Species such as tuna, kōura and kāeo/kākahi are central to the identity and wellbeing of many Māori communities throughout Āotearoa. For generations, these species have sustained communities and been vital in the transfer of customary practices and knowledge from one generation to the next.
Kakahi [freshwater mussell]
Tuna [freshwater eel]
Piharu [lamprey eel]
Kaoura [crayfish]
kanae [mullet]
inanaga [galaxid fish]
Patiki [freshwater flounder]
What does science tell us about of largest mammals?
Toa [Sperm Whales]
Bryde's Whale
Tohora [Southern Wright Whale] - migratory
Humpback whale - migratory
Maki [Orca]
Pōpoto [Maui's Dolphin]
Tūpoupou [Hector's Dolphin]
Due to New Zealand’s impressive growing conditions for seafood, its ocean serves as a food basket [kaimoana]. Kaimoana, meaning ‘food from the sea’, provides physical, cultural, and spiritual sustenance.
Pāua - abalone
Ika -fish
Kōura - crayfish
Kina - sea egg
Karengo - seaweed
Wheke - octopus
Pipi Tuangi - cockle
Kuku - Green lipped mussel
