š Waka Navigators - Documentary Companion
Guided activities for āMÄori: The First 500 Yearsā (RNZ)
Cross-Curricular Challenge
Literacy: Reading images, quoting evidence, explanatory writing
Numeracy: Estimating distances, star compass coordinates, navigational plotting
Critical Thinking: Analysing colonial narratives, systems mapping, design thinking
āÆļø Guided Viewing Schedule
Before Watching (5 minutes)
- Review the map of Polynesian migration in the pre-colonial innovation handout.
- Predict: What science is required to sail thousands of kilometres without modern technology?
- Highlight any unfamiliar vocabulary in the table below to look out for during the video.
0:00 ā 6:00 | Setting Out
- Why is the Pacific described as the ālargest highway on Earthā?
- What signs of nature do navigators observe before leaving shore?
- Note one quote about whakapapa or mÄtauranga.
6:00 ā 14:00 | Star Compass
- List the key features of the star compass explained in the documentary.
- How do navigators know when to change direction?
- What role do whÄnau and hapÅ« knowledge holders play?
14:00 ā 20:00 | Waka Engineering
- Describe materials and design features used in ocean-going waka.
- How is balance and stability achieved?
- Why is waka construction described as āa scienceā?
20:00 ā 27:00 | Landfall & Adaptation
- How did navigators know land was near?
- What adaptations were needed for Aotearoaās climate?
- How was knowledge passed down through generations?
27:00 ā End | Modern Revivals
- What is the goal of the modern waka hourua movement?
- How does revitalising navigation support rangatiratanga today?
- Record one quote that inspires you.
After Watching (5 minutes)
Complete a 3-sentence reflection: āThe most impressive science I saw wasā¦ / I used to thinkā¦ now I thinkā¦ / One question I still haveā¦ā
š Literacy Tasks ā Navigation Vocabulary & Evidence
1. Essential Vocabulary
Instructions: Complete the table by defining each term in your own words and drawing or describing an example.
| Term | Your Definition | Example / Sketch |
|---|---|---|
| KÄpehu whetÅ« (star compass) | ||
| TÅ«rama | ||
| Waka hourua | ||
| Taumata kÅrero | ||
| Whakatere |
2. Evidence Tracker
Use the documentary to collect evidence that challenges colonial myths.
| Myth / Colonial Claim | Evidence from the Documentary | Why this evidence matters |
|---|---|---|
| MÄori navigation was accidental. | ||
| Ocean-going waka were primitive. | ||
| Knowledge wasnāt scientific. |
š Numeracy & Spatial Reasoning
1. Voyage Plotting
Approximate the distance from Hawaiāi to Aotearoa (use atlas / online tool). Plot the route on the blank map (attach or draw in exercise book) and estimate:
- Distance travelled in kilometres.
- If waka average 9 knots, how many days would the journey take (assuming 24-hour travel)?
- What signals would you expect to see as you approached land?
2. Star Compass Drill
Fill in the missing directions on the simplified star compass below (teacher to print / display). List the stars or constellations associated with each cardinal point.
Extension: Explain how knowing the angle of a star above the horizon helps determine latitude.
š§ Critical Thinking & Design Challenges
1. Systems Map
Design a systems map showing the knowledge network that supports successful voyaging (include people, tools, environmental cues, cultural practices).
2. Colonial Narrative Flip
Write a short paragraph responding to this colonial statement: āPolynesian settlers arrived in Aotearoa by chance.ā Use at least two pieces of evidence from the documentary to refute it.
3. WhÄnau & Hapori Connection
Interview whÄnau or local experts (if possible) about waka traditions, kapa haka, or navigation knowledge. Record what you learn and how it connects to the documentary.
š©āš« Teacher Notes & Implementation Guide
Suggested Flow
- Activate: Use vocabulary preview + prediction questions before the video.
- Guide: Co-watch the documentary, pausing at prompts to capture evidence in the tables.
- Deepen: Assign star compass drill and systems map in mixed-ability groups.
- Assess: Gather refutation paragraphs and systems maps for MÄtainuku/MÄtairea progress evidence.
Differentiation
- Support: Provide partially completed vocabulary table, sentence starters for paragraph writing, and guided map outlines.
- Extension: Challenge students to calculate latitude using star angles or research contemporary waka hourua voyages.
- Cultural Safety: Invite local navigators or kapa haka leaders as guest speakers where possible; ensure MÄori students can opt in/out of sharing personal knowledge.
Assessment Opportunities
- Vocabulary + evidence tables (literacy).
- Voyage plotting calculations and star compass drill (numeracy).
- Refutation paragraph + systems map (critical thinking, Te MÄtaiaho emphasis on contesting colonial narratives).