Kiwis: Identity and History
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Kiwis: Identity and History
Five starter activities exploring famous and infamous New Zealanders
🌟 Starter 1: Sir Edmund Hillary (7–10 minutes)
Activity: Read the following passage, then answer the questions below.
On 29 May 1953, New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest — the world's highest peak at 8,849 metres. Hillary was born in Auckland in 1919 and was a beekeeper before becoming a mountaineer. After his famous climb, Hillary dedicated much of his life to helping the Sherpa people of Nepal, building schools and hospitals. He appeared on the New Zealand $5 note for many years and is remembered as a symbol of Kiwi determination and humility.
🎶 Starter 2: Lorde — A Modern Kiwi Icon (7–10 minutes)
Activity: Read the profile below and answer the questions.
Ella Yelich-O'Connor, known by her stage name Lorde, was born in Takapuna, Auckland in 1996. At just 16 years old, she released the song "Royals," which reached number one in over 20 countries and won two Grammy Awards. Lorde is known for writing her own music and challenging the glamorous stereotypes often seen in pop culture. She proudly identifies as a New Zealander and has spoken about how growing up in Aotearoa shaped her perspective and music. She is one of the most successful New Zealand musicians of all time.
⚖️ Starter 3: Te Kooti Arikirangi — Resistance and Controversy (7–10 minutes)
Activity: Read the passage carefully. This starter looks at a more complex figure in New Zealand history.
Te Kooti Arikirangi Te Türuki was a Māori leader in the 19th century who was controversially exiled to the Chatham Islands in 1866 without trial by the colonial government. While in exile, he founded the Ringatū faith, a religion that blended Christian and Māori beliefs. In 1868, he led a daring escape and returned to the North Island, where he fought a guerrilla war against colonial forces. His raids caused significant loss of life, including at Matawhero. He was eventually pardoned in 1883. Te Kooti is a deeply complex figure — seen by some as a freedom fighter and by others as a violent outlaw.
🏉 Starter 4: Jonah Lomu — A Giant of the Game (7–10 minutes)
Activity: Read the profile and complete the matching activity, then answer the question.
Jonah Lomu was born in 1975 in Auckland to Tongan parents and grew up in a tough South Auckland neighbourhood. He became one of the most feared rugby players in history, playing as a wing for the All Blacks. Standing 1.96 metres tall and weighing 119 kilograms, he was known for his extraordinary speed and power. He burst onto the world stage at the 1995 Rugby World Cup, scoring seven tries. Lomu played 63 tests for the All Blacks despite suffering from a serious kidney condition. He passed away in 2015 at age 40 and is remembered as a legend who inspired many young Kiwis, especially those from Pacific Island backgrounds.
🔍 Starter 5: Arthur Allan Thomas — An Infamous Injustice (7–10 minutes)
Activity: Read the passage and answer the reflection questions. This starter looks at a dark chapter in New Zealand's justice history.
In 1970, Jeannette and Harvey Crewe were murdered at their farmhouse in Pukekawa. New Zealand farmer Arthur Allan Thomas was convicted of the murders in 1971 and again in 1973 after a retrial. He spent nine years in prison. In 1979, he was granted a royal pardon after it was revealed that a key piece of evidence — a cartridge case — had likely been planted by police. A Royal Commission of Inquiry in 1980 confirmed serious police misconduct. Thomas was paid $950,000 in compensation. The Crewe murders remain officially unsolved. This case raised serious questions about justice, police conduct, and the rights of ordinary New Zealanders.
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