Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Happy Waitangi Day!

Every February 6 New Zealand celebrates Waitangi Day. Waitangi Day is a national holiday. It commemorates the signing of the Treaty between the Maori Chiefs and the British Representatives in 1840. The 'Treaty of Waitangi' is known as New Zealand's founding document covering matters of sovereignty and citizenship.
People enjoying music festivals or concerts on Waitangi Day.
People at the beach watching the canoes (waka) coming ashore.

Families spending time together having picnics and bbq's
Performances by Maori groups dressed up in traditional costumes.
Waitangi Day is celebrated by all New Zealanders. Most people spend time with their family, or head take part in local festivities happening in their town or cities.

Our way of Celebrating Waitangi Day
In class the students made a Maori poi used in dance. We had some of our parents come in and help the students braid and make the poi's.

The materials used were: yarn(wool), tape, batting, and white trash bags (rubbish bags)

Finally the students learned several basic poi movements.

We caught everything on camera so please click on and watch our video.

The music used is called 'Poi E' by Patea Maori Club.  This song is very popular back in New Zealand and played on radio, tv, events and even sports games!
Happy Waitangi Day!!!
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2 comments:

  1. Mrs McKenzie and B4February 15, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    Kia ora Miss Lologa and 2nd grade Superstars
    I really enjoyed watching your Waitangi Day video and I think you've made a fantastic job of your poi. You already look like poi experts.
    I always love listening to the 'Poi E' song.
    It was very popular when it first came out and was top in the music charts for quite awhile.

    Have you had the chance to perform with your poi in front of other classes?

    ka kite
    Mrs McKenzie from B4

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  2. New Town 2nd GradeFebruary 17, 2012 at 5:38 AM

    Kia Ora Mrs McKenzie,

    Thank you for your comment. The class enjoyed making poi's and they are getting really good at doing the basic poi actions/movements.

    Last Friday we performed to almost 6 classes. The class was exhausted by the end of the day. Next week we are planning to perform at an International fair at one of the local high schools. That is something to look forward to.

    We would love to perform the songs to your class. Would like us to do that for you? We will make a video for you.

    Look forward to hearing from you soon.
    Miss Lologa & 2nd Grade Superstars

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