New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean

http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/mapcenter/map.aspx

It has a North Island and a South Island

Most of the people there are from Europe.

A long time ago people went to New Zealand from the Polynesians islands. These people are known as Māori people.

The Queen 'reigns but does not rule.' She has no real political influence, and her position is essentially symbolic. New Zealand has a Prime Minister, who is the Head of Government.

New Zealand

Great Britain

The kiwi is New Zealand’s national bird. They live in the forests and they sleep a lot!

The Lord of the Rings was filmed in New Zealand.

There are lots of lovely sheep in New Zealand

We will be sending emails and letters to children in new Zealand.

The school is here.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-emea-uk-goog-gm&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=google%20maps

Maketu was the landing place of Te Arawa canoe following the migration of early Maori from Hawaiki. A memorial on the foreshore commemorates the landing.

Today, Maori make up 15 per cent of the country’s population, and their language and culture has a major impact on all facets of New Zealand life.

Maketu is also a favourite place for swimming, boating and fishing, and during the winter locals gather whitebait. The privately-owned beach is a rockier beach than most of the region’s beaches, and it’s a popular spot for horse-back riding.

The village has a large number of tourism attractions and accommodation all set in proximity to both beaches and kiwifruit orchards. The area has great cafés and activities that make the most of the local scenery.

Traditional Maori dress

This is the school!

This photo of the village was taken from the hill just next to the school.