Module 2

1. What is the 'Treaty of Waitangi', when was it signed and how did it get its name?
Answer:

New Zealand's founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was prepared over just a few days in 6 February 1840. On the day that it was first signed, there were versions in English and Maori.
Around 40 Maori chiefs, led by Hone Heke, signed a Treaty with the British Crown at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands. The Treaty of Waitangi, as it has become known, had been prepared in just a few days.
2. What is "weta" in New Zealand? Illustrate!
Answer:

* It is a rather large insect.
* While harmless to humans, its bite can be painful.
* It is a protected species, and, despite its repellent aspect, may not be harmed.
3.What is the name of the film, which was entirely shot in New Zealand and is highly acclaimed around the world? Add more information about the film and the fimstars!
Answer:

"Lord of the Rings" was filmed entirely in New Zealand. American producers were skeptical and the fact that Peter Jackson had never directed a film of that magnitude didn't help matters.
The Lord of the Rings film trilogy consists of three live action fantasy epic films: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003). The trilogy is based on the three-volume book The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. While they follow the book's general storyline, the films also feature some additions to and deviations from the source material.

Elijah Jordan Wood.
Elijah Jordan Wood (born January 28, 1981) is an American actor. Wood further developed as an actor in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment of director Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's literary trilogy. His most hotly anticipated project, the 2001 film gave Wood top billing as Frodo Baggins, alongside a glittering cast that included Sir Ian McKellen, Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Cate Blanchett, Christopher Lee, Sean Bean, and Viggo Mortensen. The Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand and, before the cast left the country, Jackson gave Wood two gifts: one of the One Ring props used on the set and Sting, Frodo's sword. He was also given a pair of prosthetic "hobbit feet" he wore during filming. That same year, the young actor could be seen in less mystical surroundings, courtesy of Ed Burns' Ash Wednesday, a crime drama that also featured Oliver Platt and Rosario Dawson.

Viggo Peter Mortensen.
Viggo Peter Mortensen, Jr. (born October 20, 1958) is an American actor, poet, musician, photographer and painter. His film roles include Aragorn in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. According to the Special Extended Edition DVD of Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Mortensen was a last-minute replacement for Stuart Townsend, and wouldn't have taken the part of Aragorn had it not been for his son's enthusiasm for the J. R. R. Tolkien novel. In the Two Towers DVD extras, the film's swordmaster, Bob Anderson, described Mortensen as "the best swordsman I've ever trained." Mortensen performed all of his own stunts, insisting it would look more authentic, and even the injuries he sustained on several of them did not dampen his enthusiasm. At one point during shooting of Two Towers, Orlando Bloom, John Rhys-Davies' stunt double, and Mortensen all had fairly serious injuries, and during a shoot of them, running in the mountains, Peter Jackson jokingly referred to the three as "the walking wounded."
4. Describe the governmental system of New Zealand. Who is the head of the state in New Zealand? What are the official languages of the country?
Answer:

New Zealand is Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy. The head of the state in New Zealand is Queen Elizabeth II. the official languages of the country are English (98%), Māori (4.2%), NZ Sign Language (0.6%).
5.Describe the present national flag of New Zealand.When was it made official? How many stars are there on New Zealand's flag and how are they positioned?
Answer:
12 June 2002 marked the centenary of the New Zealand Flag, which became our official flag amidst the pomp and patriotism surrounding the South African War.
The New Zealand Flag is the symbol of the realm government and people of New Zealand. Its royal blue background is reminiscent of the blue sea and clear sky surrounding us. The stars of the Southern Cross emphasise this country's location in the South Pacific Ocean. The Union Flag gives recognition to our historical foundations and the fact that New Zealand was once a British colony and dominion.
There are 4 stars. The stars have white borders. The centres of the stars forming the short limb of the cross shall be on a line intersecting the vertical limb at an angle of 82 therewith, and rising from near the lower fly corner of the Union Jack towards the upper fly corner of the ensign, its point of intersection with the vertical line being distant from the centre of the uppermost star of the cross twelve-sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign.

6. How many people use the Internet in New Zealand (2008)?
Answer:
About 78 per cent of New Zealanders use the Internet.

7. How many national parks are in New Zealand? Provide their names with brief introductions.
Answer:
There are 14 national parks in New Zealand.
1. Te Urewer. So wild it feels un explored. Boating, fishing and canoeingg can bq enjoyed on the lake, as well as trekking and permit hunting.
2. Egmont. New Zealands's most perfectly formed volcano, Mt Taranaki is often described as the conutry's 'most climbed mountain'.
3. Whanganui. A landscape of river valley systems with steep slopes, razor-sharp ridges and native lowland forest - this park is adundant in native birdlife.
4. Tongariro. A Trilogy of Volcanoes, the park's centrepiece, Mount Ruapehu rises dramatically from the surrounding alpine tussock and volcanic rock plateau.
5. Abel Tasman. Sea kayak or walk the coastal track and discover Abel Tasman's glittering gold sand beaches, turquoise water and spectacular ocean views.
6. Kahurangi. Kahurangi's glaciated mountain ranges and rich forest are home to an exceptional variety of native plants and wildlife.
7. Nelson Lakes. This national park offers tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and lakes. Activities include walking, hiking and fly-fishing for trout.
8. Paparoa. Paraoa National Park is best known for the dramatic Punakaiki Pancake rocks and blowholes.
9. Arthur's Pass. Enjoy the awesome alpine scenery of Arthur's Pass. Features include high mountains, wide braided rivers and steep gorges.
10. Westland / Tai Poutini. This park plunges from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps to the remote beaches of the West Coast. Enjoy a range of activities such as glacier walks and heli-hikes.
11. Aoraki / Mt Cook. Aoraki, Maori for 'Cloud Piercer' is New Zealand's highest mountain. Hike the rails or simply reflect on the beauty of the Southern Alps.
12. Mount Aspiring. With some of New Zealand's most scenic walks, the pinnacle of this park, Mount Aspiring/Tititea, is much loved by climbers and photographers.
13. Fiordland. One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand, explore Fiordland National Park by foot, sea kayak, boat or air.
14. Rakiura. A national park of unspoiled native ecosystems from the mountaintops to the sea - it is the only one like it in the world.
8. What are 'tuatara' and 'kiwi' in New Zealnd? Illustrate.
Answer:

The tuatara is the most ancient of all living reptiles. It is even older than the dinosaurs.

Kiwi are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand, in the genus Apteryx and family Apterygidae.

9. What are the most popular fields of sports in New Zealand? Give examples of the best athletes.
Answer:
Some of the most popular sports in New Zealand, namely rugby, cricket and netball. The best athletes are Richard Hadlee, Silver Ferns, Pero Cameron, etc.
10. Give at least 5 most interesting facts about New Zealand with illustrations.
Answer:

- New Zealand has the highest car ownership rates in the world.
- Bungee jumping which is now a popular and daredevil sport originated in New Zealand.
- New Zealand has two national athems- God Save The Queen and God Defend New Zealand.
- First country to see the sunrise.
- New Zealand means, "Land of the long white cloud".