🚣 Part 1: Reading About Waka

Read this passage about traditional waka construction:

Long ago, Māori people built amazing boats called waka. They used special materials from nature to make them strong and beautiful. The main part of the waka was carved from large trees, especially tōtara and kauri wood. These trees were chosen because their wood was strong and could float well on water.

To hold the waka together, Māori used harakeke (flax) to make rope and lashings. The flax was twisted into strong cords that tied different parts of the waka together. Sometimes they also used pingao, a golden grass, for decoration and binding.

Waka were very important to Māori people. They used them for fishing, travelling between islands, and carrying their whānau (families) to new places. Each waka was like a taonga (treasure) that was cared for and respected.

🔗 Part 2: Māori Vocabulary Matching

🏷️ Part 3: Label the Waka

Word bank: wood, flax lashings, carved decoration, hull (main body)

Draw arrows pointing to different parts of the waka and write the labels next to them.

🤔 Part 4: Understanding Waka Importance

✅ Part 5: Quick Check

Māori used _____________ to make rope and lashings for their waka. The main body of the waka was carved from strong _____________ like tōtara and kauri.

🎨 Part 6: Design Your Own