Learning outcome

Students will gain knowledge of some of the pūrākau (legends and stories) about manu (birds) in Aotearoa.

Resources

http://www.nzbirds.com/birds/maorimyths.html or any related Māori mythology books or websites, such as:

Fifty-five Feathers by Ben Brown and Helen Taylor

‘Feathers of Red, Feathers of Green’ from Māori Legends (The Creation Stories) retold by Ron Bacon

The Porete, English version by Kararaina Rangihau and Bea Hamer

Directions

1. In groups, the students will choose a Māori myth such as ‘How the Kiwi Lost its Wings’, ‘Pïwaiwaka’, or ‘Kurangaituku the Bird Woman’.
2. Students will read through to create and develop a role play based on the community of birds and characters represented in their particular myth.
3. Present the drama back to the class and discuss themes.