ESL WORKSHEET - New Zealand

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

VISITING NEW ZEALAND

LinguaHouse

Dec. 20, 2021

Level: Upper-Intermediate (B2-C1)
Type of English: General English
Tags: Visiting Places; Challenges; Historical Events; Beliefs, Religion and Superstition; Languages; Society and Change; People and Places; Education, Teaching and Learning; Animals; Environment and Nature; Geographical Features
Publication date: 12/20/2021

This lesson is based on information from New Zealand’s official website. Students will learn about New Zealand landmarks, geography, and history and get some ideas of what to see and do if they visit New Zealand. Listening and reading skills will also be tested, and students will have the opportunity to prepare a presentation. (by Gillian Smylie)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/watch the video (MP4).

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

Interviewer: We’re joined by Brendan, a New Zealander passionate about sharing his country’s culture with others. Brendan, I’d like to talk to you about the people and culture of New Zealand. So, who were the first New Zealanders?
Brendan: Māori came to New Zealand over 1000 years ago from a land where, according to Māori mythology, the world was created, along with its first people. And today around one in seven New Zealanders identify as Māori.
Interviewer: So, if one in seven New Zealanders is Māori, what about the others?
Brendan: Well, the majority of New Zealanders are of European origin. European settlement began in the eighteenth century and New Zealand became a British colony in 1840 after two documents were signed: The Treaty of Waitangi (in English) and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (in Māori). After this, the British population quickly overtook the Māori population and became the dominant culture. I’d like to point out that the text signed by the Māori was not an exact translation of the English text, so the Māori did not actually agree to New Zealand becoming a British colony. A tribunal now exists to rule on issues raised by these differences.
Interviewer: But am I right in thinking Māori culture is important in New Zealand today, and visitors can experience it for themselves?
Brendan: Absolutely! Since the 1980s, there has been a strong focus on biculturalism. Māori culture, language and traditions form an essential part of the country’s national identity. The best place to observe Māori culture is in a Marae, which is a sacred meeting place. Visits begin with a welcoming ceremony. During a Marae visit, you may hear speeches and singing, see carved wooden meeting houses and say hello with a hongi. A hongi is a greeting where people press their noses together. Oh, and you might also experience a hāngī feast.
Interviewer: What’s a hāngī feast?
Brendan: It’s a traditional cooking method which has been around for centuries. First of all, meat and vegetables are put in a basket, then placed on hot stones at the bottom of a large hole in the ground. They’re then covered with a wet cloth and a pile of earth to trap the heat from the stones. After three hours, the food is removed, and you can enjoy its irresistible smoky, earthy flavour.
Interviewer: Sounds delicious! Oh, one thing we haven’t mentioned yet. When thinking about Māori culture, the Haka is probably the first thing to come to mind for many people. Can you tell me more about it?
Brendan: Sure! Well for anyone who hasn’t heard of the Haka, it is a ceremonial war dance, originally performed by tribes to intimidate their opponents, and now performed at a variety of events. Since 1905, The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, have performed a Haka before its matches. Hakas involve loud chanting, strong hand movements, foot-stamping, thigh-slapping and facial expressions.
Interviewer: Oh, and another thing people all over the world associate with Māori culture is tattoos.
Brendan: Yes. Well, people are well known for their artistic skills. The art of Māori tattoo is called ta moko, and the tattoos reflect the individual's personal history. Facial tattoos have special importance as Māori believe the head is the most sacred part of the body, and only tattoos that are done by and on Māori are considered to be true moko. When similar designs are used just for decoration, this is referred to as kirituhi or skin art.
Interviewer: Ok, thanks, Brendan. I’ve certainly learned a lot today. Thank you, and I hope to catch up with you when I come to New Zealand!
Brendan: My pleasure! I would be delighted to show you around.

Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Atf_Af1q_5w. Accessed on October 8, 2024.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/general-english/visiting-new-zealand. Accessed on October 8, 2024. © 2008–2024 LinguaHouse.com. All rights reserved.