Cultural Aspects of the FUNdamentals Cards
The FUNdamentals cards have several cultural aspects to them and it is important to have a basic understanding of these.
Pronunciation
There are 15 distinct sounds within the Māori alphabet. Five vowels: a, e, i, o, u eight consonants: h, k, m, n, p, r, t, w and two digraphs (two letters that combine to form one sound): wh, ng Note the (Wh) in Wha is pronounced as an aspirated ‘W’ similar to an ‘F’ sound. Each vowel can be pronounced short or long. We use a macron (a bar appearing over a vowel) to indicate a long vowel – ā, ē, ī, ō, ū.
Listen to the audio to hear these sounds.
Pronunciation
The cards are numbered in te Reo Māori.
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The Koru (loop or spiral) Based on the appearance of a new unfurling silver fern frond. It symbolises new life, growth, strength, and peace. The higher the skill and stage achieved the more fronds and growth is represented. For example, there are two fronds on rua and six fronds on ono. |
The two birds we use for the Fundamentals are our iconic Kiwi for Ski and the Kea, our native mountain parrot for Snowboard.
Kiwi
The Kiwi is a flightless, nocturnal bird. Five main species can be found in several areas throughout Aotearoa; The Northern and Southern Brown Kiwi, Okarito Kiwi, Great Spotted and Little spotted Kiwi. The Kiwi is cherished by New Zealanders as a national icon; a symbol for the uniqueness of our wildlife and natural heritage. The Kiwi is also a taonga (treasure) to Māori, who have strong cultural, spiritual, and historic associations to the bird.
Kea
The Kea is the world’s only alpine parrot and one of the most intelligent bird species. They are found in bush lands and alpine regions of the South Island. Kea are found in many of the southern ski areas (Remarkables, Treble Cone, Mt Hutt to name a few). Just like snowboarders, juvenile Kea congregate in loose, wandering flocks that like to play and are often described as “cheeky”.
Kiwi
The Kiwi is a flightless, nocturnal bird. Five main species can be found in several areas throughout Aotearoa; The Northern and Southern Brown Kiwi, Okarito Kiwi, Great Spotted and Little spotted Kiwi. The Kiwi is cherished by New Zealanders as a national icon; a symbol for the uniqueness of our wildlife and natural heritage. The Kiwi is also a taonga (treasure) to Māori, who have strong cultural, spiritual, and historic associations to the bird.
Kea
The Kea is the world’s only alpine parrot and one of the most intelligent bird species. They are found in bush lands and alpine regions of the South Island. Kea are found in many of the southern ski areas (Remarkables, Treble Cone, Mt Hutt to name a few). Just like snowboarders, juvenile Kea congregate in loose, wandering flocks that like to play and are often described as “cheeky”.
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| Kākāriki Green (beginner) |
Kikorangi Blue (intermediate) |
Whero Red (advanced) |
Pango Black (expert) |