Sep 13: Make a Pacific-inspired wreath

Learn about our Pacific neighbours.

Written by      


Below are some talking points and activities to pass the time, all relating to today’s story.

Talking points

Discuss the ideas presented in the story with your family—at home or over video conferencing. Find ways to involve as many people as possible, especially those who you know are isolated by the lock-down.

  • Looking at the photos, which ones look the most appealing to you? If you were visiting Niue, what would you hope to see and do while you were there?
  • What do you think of the decision to protect 40% of Niue’s marine area? What benefits and drawbacks might this decision bring? Are you surprised to learn that New Zealand only has one percent of its EEZ (exclusive economic zone) protected?
  • Does whale watching sound different to what you’d imagined it to be? Why do you think the writer says that the experience happens in “a rhythm defined by the whales?” Do you think it’s good that they’ve introduced rules to monitor how much whale watching can happen in Niue, and how it happens?
  • What do you think of the comment by the Minister for Natural Resources, Dalton Tagelagi, who says that the commitment to increase marine protection is “an investment in our future and a tribute to our ancestors”? What do you think he means?
  • An ex-premier of Niue is quoted as saying that tourism is just another form of colonisation. What do you think he means by this? Do you think tourism contains a balance of power which favours the paying visitor?

Activity: Make a Pacific-inspired wreath

Make the most of spring flowers and weave a wreath inspired by the beautiful Sunday outfits of Niuean church-goers!

You will need:

  • Trimmings from a vine such ivy. Olive trimmings also work.
  • Scissors
  • Fresh flowers and leaves

Step One: Cut a couple of lengths of vine to about 90cm if possible. Ivy is good because it comes with leaves – it is also a pest species and should be removed or controlled!

Step Two: Take one vine and make a circle shape about the size of your head; twist the ends of the vine around the circle so that it is secure.

Step Three: Repeat by adding the second length of vine to make it more robust.

Step Four: Tuck fresh flowers in among the crevices in your wreath. Use up a pest species like jasmine if you can as it’s a good time to remove this from your garden anyway.

Send us a picture of your Pacific-inspired wreath!