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Gisborne Map Poetry Exploration

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Tairawhiti- What makes this place home?  Your perspective...

Gisborne sunrise over coastline

📖 Part 1: Understanding "Gisborne - First to See the Sun"

WALT: Analyse poetry to understand place and community

1. What does "First to see the sun" tell us about Gisborne's location in New Zealand?

It's in the north of New Zealand

It's on the east coast

It's the highest city

It has the best weather

2. List three natural features of Gisborne mentioned in the poem:

a) ___________________ b) ___________________ c) ___________________

3. What does the phrase "old roots, new shoots" suggest about Gisborne?
4. How does the poet show that Gisborne has a strong sense of community?
5. Which feelings about Gisborne does the poem express? (Tick all that apply)

Pride

Belonging

Sadness

Connection to nature

Fear

Hope for the future

🗺️ Part 2: Map Exploration

WALT: Use maps to understand place and environment

6. Using a map of Gisborne, identify these features:

Main river: ___________________                       A favourite place to exercise:__________________________________

Closest beach to the city centre: ___________________  The best food in town:________________________________

Highest hill or mountain nearby: ___________________  The best hang out for kids:___________________________

7. Find two Māori place names on the map and explain why understanding these names helps us learn about the culture of Tairawhiti:

Place name 1: _______________________________________

Place name 2: _______________________________________

8. Looking at the map, which areas might need protection from flooding or erosion? Why?
9. Plan a walking route from Gisborne's town centre to a natural feature (beach, river, or hill). List three landmarks you would pass:

Route destination: ___________________

Landmark 1: ___________________

Landmark 2: ___________________

Landmark 3: ___________________

✍️ Part 3: Create Your Own Place Poem

WALT: Write poetry to express connection to place

10. Choose a special place in Gisborne (or your hometown). Complete this planning chart:

My special place: ___________________

What I see there: ___________________

What I hear there: ___________________

What I smell there: ___________________

How it makes me feel: ___________________

11. CHOOSE A FOLLOW UP ACTIVITY 
A. Write a short poem (4-8 lines) about your special place. Try to include at least one of your senses and one feeling:

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