Year 7 News

Making muka for fishing lines

Over the past few weeks, the Year 7 students have been finalising their fishhook designs before taking them to the laser cutter to be made and shaped. Some classes have had a lesson on making stripping harakeke to make muka. The final aspect to this unit was writing about their design and how it was inspired by traditional Māori design. Please enjoy an example of a Year 7 piece of writing.

                                Easter-bird fishhook 

Have you ever wished you had a unique, handmade fishhook for catching nihomako? One that guaranteed a great catch every time and was inspired by an intellectual Kai Tahu design from centuries ago?

Generations before the first European settlers arrived, Kai Tahu were perfecting their state-of-the-art fishing tools. The Maori had specially designed lures which were highly effective and able to target specific fish species. These species were often kahawai and blue cod. The smooth hooks were usually made of expertly carved whale or moa bone, or kowhai roots. A common finishing touch was paua shell, which glittered and flashed, drawing the fish's attention. 

The Easter-bird fish hook we have designed ties back to these ancient methods, while also incorporating modern materials and methods. It has a sharp internal barb for preventing the nihomako's escape and a smaller external barb. Also included in the design is a shiny piece of paua shell to lure the fish in. A specially designed bird’s head snood is the perfect place for tying the line, and the jagged serrated edge provides extra grip on the nihomako’s slippery skin. 

This design keeps the Te Reo Māori culture alive, as well as providing delicious fish meals with its unparalleled prowess! Don’t miss out on the best nihomako fish hook, at the lowest price, in 200 years!