Aotearoa: Land, People, and Colonisation

Aotearoa: Land, People, and Colonisation

An Introduction to New Zealand History Year 9 Social Sciences Exploring Aotearoa's Histories

Ko au te whenua, ko te whenua ko au

I am the land, and the land is me A Māori whakataukī (proverb) expressing the deep spiritual connection between people and the land

WALT (We Are Learning To)

Understand the significance of Aotearoa in New Zealand history through geography and early colonisation Identify and locate key geographical places relevant to Māori history Explain why these places are culturally significant Describe what colonisation means and its early impacts

Mapping Aotearoa

Exploring Cultural Significance

Choose a geographical feature from the map Research its Māori name and meaning Find out which iwi (tribe) has connections to this place Discover any stories or legends associated with this location

What is Colonisation?

The process of establishing control over another country or territory European settlers arriving in Aotearoa from the 1800s Bringing new laws, customs, and ways of life Significant impacts on Māori people and their traditional way of life

Before and After Colonisation

{"left":"Māori lived sustainably on the land for over 700 years\nTraditional Māori society was well-organised with complex social structures\nLand was collectively owned by iwi and hapū\nRich oral traditions and cultural practices","right":"European settlement brought new technologies and farming methods\nIntroduction of new diseases affected Māori populations\nLand was bought and sold as private property\nTraditional Māori practices were often discouraged or banned"}

Reflection and Extension

What surprised you most about today's lesson? Which geographical place would you like to learn more about? How do you think Māori felt about the changes brought by colonisation? Extension Task: Research a local iwi to learn about their history and connection to the land