The original people of New Zealand, who were living there before the Europeans arrived, are called Maoris NewZealand is a country in the south-west of the Pacific Ocean, consists of large islands: - North Island (with the capital – Wellington) - South Island The early Polynesian settlers in NewZealand called the country Aotearoa, which means Land of the Long White Cloud NewZealand is a long way from any other country For example, the closest country to the west, Australia, is about 2,000 kilometres away NewZealand is not a crowded country There are more sheep than people there Most people live on North Island in the capital, Wellington or in Auckland People from NewZealand are called New Zealanders, or sometimes ‘kiwis’ This is because the national symbol of the county is a bird called the kiwi The kiwi has no wings and can’t fly Maoris say hello by pressing their noses together in a greeting called hongi Maoris have a special dance called the Haka, when they stick their tongues out to frighten their enemies There are many types of the Haka dance New Zealanders are very proud of their national rugby team, the All Blacks The team gets its name from the fact that it plays in black shirts, shorts and socks The words of the Ka Mate are as follows: The most known haka in NewZealand is the Ka Mate haka, because it has traditionally been performed by the All Blacks before the matches Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! I die! I die! I live! I live! Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora! I die! I die! I live! I live! Tenei te tangata puhuru huru This is the hairy man Nana nei i tiki mai Whakawhiti te A upa ne! ka upa ne! A upane kaupane whiti te ra! Who fetched the Sun And caused it to shine again One upward step! Another upward step! An upward step, another the Sun shines !!! Hi !!! The Ka Mate haka is classified as a haka taparahi – a ceremonial haka Ka Mate is about the cunning ruse Te Rauparaha used to outwit his enemies, and may be interpreted as ‘a celebration of the triumph of live over death’ NewZealand has an excellent climate for all sorts of outdoor activities, and many people go there to try ‘extreme sports’ such as bungee jumping