🌊 Part 1: Understanding Maru

1. What is Maru's role in Māori culture? Circle the correct answer:

Atua of war and freshwater

Atua of the sky and clouds

Atua of the forest and birds

Atua of the ocean and fish

2. Which of these are ways Maru influences Māori customs? Check all that apply:

Spiritual guidance through karakia

Environmental protection of waterways

Cultural identity through tā moko

Community responsibility through kaitiakitanga

Storytelling through pūrākau

📚 Part 2: Vocabulary and Understanding

3. Match the Māori terms with their meanings:

1. Atua

2. Kaitiakitanga

3. Taonga

4. Karakia

5. Wharenui

A. Prayer or incantation

B. Treasured possession

C. Environmental guardianship

D. Deity or spiritual being

E. Meeting house

4. Fill in the blanks using words from the vocabulary list:

Maru is an __________ who guides Māori people in caring for rivers and waterways. This responsibility is called __________. Traditional __________ are performed to honour Maru's spiritual presence. The carvings in a __________ often tell stories about Maru's influence on the community.

🎨 Part 3: Cultural Expression

5. Draw symbols or patterns that might represent Maru's connection to water and spirituality:

6. How do modern communities honour Maru's legacy? Give two examples:

💭 Part 4: Personal Reflection

7. Write a short paragraph about what Maru's influence means to you or your community. Use descriptive language and include at least three vocabulary words from this lesson:

8. How can young people today practice kaitiakitanga in their daily lives? Give specific examples: