Module 2. New Zealand.

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

The Treaty of Waitangi is a treaty first signed on February 6, 1840. The treaty was signed in the village of Waitangi, which gave its name to treaty. The Treaty established a British governor in New Zealand, recognised Māori ownership of their lands and other properties, and gave Māori the rights of British subjects.

2. What is "weta" in New Zealand? Illustrate!

Weta is the name applied to about 70 insect species endemic to New Zealand. There are many similar species around the world, though most are in the southern hemisphere. The name comes from the Māori word 'wētā.

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!

The highly acclaimed "Lord of the Rings" was filmed entirely in New Zealand. The Lord of the Rings is a set of three motion pictures that form Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien's novel The Lord of the Rings.

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?

In New Zealand there is Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy. Head of State Queen Elizabeth II. Official languages 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?

The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. The current flag became the national in 1902. It depicts only four of the five stars in the constellation. Each star varies slightly in size.

6. How many people use the Internet in New Zealand (2008)?

New Zealand has the highest proportion of people using the Internet for distance education at 21 percent. New Zealand has the second highest Internet use at school with an average of 5.2 hours per week, second behind Australia.

7. How many national parks are in New Zealand? Provide their names with brief introductions.

In New Zealand there are 14 national parks : Te Urewera (Boating, fishing, canoeing, trekking and hunting), Egmont (Mt Taranaki - New Zealand`s most perfectly formed volcano), Whanganui (This park is abundant in native birdlife), Tongariro (Alpine tussock and volcanic rock plateu), Abel Tasman(Tasman`s glittering gold sand beaches and spectacular ocean views), Kahurangi (Exceptional variety of native plants and wildlife), Nelson Lakes (Tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and lakes), Paparoa (Punakaiaki Pancake rocks and blowholes), Arthur`s Pass (High mountains, wide braided rivers and steep gorges), Tai Poutini (This park plunges from the highest peaks of the Southern Alps), Mount Cook (Aoraki is New Zealand`s highest mountain), Mount Aspiring (It is much loved by climbers and photogrsphers), Fiordland (One of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand), Rakuira (A natioanl park of unspoiled native ecosystems).

8. What are 'tuatara' and 'kiwi' in New Zealnd? Illustrate.

The tuatara is a reptile endemic to New Zealand which, though it resembles most lizards, is actually part of a distinct lineage, order Sphenodontia. Grows up to 50 years, the total duration of life - 100 years. Kiwi are flightless birds endemic to New Zealand. They are by far the smallest living ratites and lay the largest egg in relation to their body size.

9. What are the most popular fields of sports in New Zealand? Give examples of the best athletes.

Most popular sports in New Zealand are : Rugby, the national rugby team, the All Blacks, has the best win to loss record of any national team. Horse racing, is a popular spectator sport which has spawned such national icons as Cardigan Bay and Phar Lap. Cricket was introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s and is reputedly the second most popular sport in the country, with one source stating there are 98,000 registered cricket players. Other popular participatory sports include bowls, netball, soccer, motorsport, golf, swimming, tennis and softball.

10. Give at least 5 most interesting facts about New Zealand with illustrations.

There are nine sheep to every human in New Zealand. 0New 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.
New Zealand is first country to see the sunrise.

Links:

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Waitangi
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weta
• http://hubpages.com/hub/Fun-Facts-About-New-Zealand
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_New_Zealand#Union_Flag
• http://www.natlib.govt.nz/about-us/news/media-releases/world-internet-project
• http://www.newzealand.com/travel/destinations/national-parks/national-parks-home.cfm
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/tuatara
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiwi
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand#Sports
• http://nz.srichinmoycentre.org/sri_chinmoy_centres/new_zealand_facts