Famous Māori Athlete

Below are just a few of New Zealand's top Māori athletes. Pick a sport and find a Māori athlete who has succeeded in their chosen sport. 

• How have they been successful? 
• What did it take in order for them to be successful?
• Where are they from? 
• When were they born?
• What fun facts did you learn about your chosen athlete?

Kayla Whitelock (hockey)

Aaron Smith (rugby)

Portia Woodman (rugby)

Suzie Bates (cricket)

Lisa Carrington (canoeist)

Ameliaranne Ekenasio (netball)

Stan Walker

 

 Stan Walker (Musician)

Consider the following questions

• What are some of the songs he is most commonly known for? 
• What is your favourite song of his?
• Where is he from? What year was he born?
• What are some of the things that have influenced his music?
• What is a lesson you can learn from Stan Walker?
• Where is Stan Walker from? Where does he whakapapa back to?
• When was he born?

Witi Ihimaera

Witi Ihimaera (author)

Witi Ihimaera is a Gisborne born author. He has written a range of short stories and novels, his most famous being Whale Rider. 

Do some research. Create a DLO about Witi Ihimaera. Consider the following questions?

• What were some of the stories Witi wrote? 
• Is there a theme in the books he writes?
• What are some of Witi Ihimaera's accomplishments?
• How did his childhood influence his work?
• Why is it important to NZ history that Witi Ihimaera told Māori stories?
• Where is he from? What year was he born?

Sir Apirana Ngata

 Sir Apirana Ngata (politician)

Sir Apirana Ngata was the first New Zealander to complete a double degree. He was a proud Māori man who learnt about the pakeha world in order to survive in it and help his people adjust to the changing world. He became a politician and worked hard to protect Māori people and their culture. 

Do some research and create a DLO about Sir Apirana Ngata. Consider the following questions.

• Where can you find Sir Apirana Ngata's face now?
• What were some of his greatest achievements?
• What would he have had to overcome in order to get to where he got?
• Where was he from? What year was he born? When did he die?

Dame Whina Cooper

Dame Whina Cooper (activist)

Dame Whina Cooper was a respected kuia who dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of Māori people and their land. She lead the march to parliament from the far north at 79 years of age. 

Create a DLO that highlights who Dame Whine Cooper is and what were the things that made her special? 

Consider the following questions.

• What was the march about?
• What were they taking to parliament?
• What were some of the things that made the march special?
• Where was she from? What year was she born?