Whale Rider

by Witi Ihimaera

Whale Rider is a story about a young girl named Paikea (or, if you read the novel, Kahu) who was born in a traditional maori family who apparently is related to the maori legend, Paikea. She strives her way through stereotypes and attempts to become a leader, but is let down by her koro who traditionally believes that it’s only a male’s job.

A key moment that surprised me was the scene where a pod of whales were washed ashore, which caused the family to be upset and try to put them out of their misery (by saving them, of course.)

I found this scene important because this problem was actually caused by Paikea when she called the whales the previous night. The call wasn’t intended to put them in danger. At some point when everyone was gone, Paikea attempted to ride the last and main whale who ends up being the legendary whale in all of ‘Paikea’s’ stories.

Eventually Paikea returns and the family are happy again. They were worried sick, even her koro who had always disrespected and let her down.

After a bit of hugs and admiring, Paikea becomes leader and the film ends off with the main members going on a waka. The waka they left on was most likely the boat that koro was working on earlier in the story. Over all, the family is happy to be together again and feel good about Paikea being leader.

Why multiculturalism is important

I believe that multiculturalism is important to our community because it opens up a load full of opportunities. There are many different reasons to why multiculturalism is important, especially since it brings more chances to take on. Here are two examples as to why it is important;

One opportunity that is pretty helpful is being able to learn many different languages and communicate easier if you ever travel to a different country, one that doesn’t commonly speak English. Learning a couple of languages makes it a better experience to understand other cultures, especially learning their uniqueness. Besides, having the ability to speak another language would be cool in a conversation! (Just hope that you don’t accidentally insult them.)

Usually, when meeting someone with a different background than you it can be very confusing unless they speak English. If they are able to speak English, maybe you could ask them for a language lesson. That way, you could learn it more fluently and try it out in a full conversation! It could also build an understanding and good friendship between you.

So, after understanding languages and getting to know about each other’s cultures this comes to a conclusion. No matter what background you’re from, multiculturalism is truly important. My reasons may be invalid compared to other’s opinions, but this is what I think is important about it. It brings others from many different countries to an understanding about one another! In conclusion, multiculturalism is great.

2019 is here!

Hello! My name is Cassidy and I come from Gisborne Intermediate, Gisborne, New Zealand. My interests are drawing, eating, SLEEPING, gaming (not 24/7 though) and watching youtube! Yes, I have a life by the way.

-I'm currently a year 7.  

-Last year, 2018, I was a fellow student of Te Hapara School. (it's not really the best primary school anymore, but during my time there I got to know a bunch of cool students and teachers!)

-Here at Gis Int, we have base groups. (collaborative classrooms.) This year I am in LH8, otherwise known as 'learning hub 8' or 'the clever-kids class'. 

During our holidays, I was extremely worried about my new school. I knew that this was the opportunity to take on a whole load of new challenges, but I didn't think I was ready yet. Other than having an existential crisis over school, I enjoyed my holiday.

Hopefully, this year will be a lot better than last year's cybersmart.

-Cass