Characters
The main character's name.
Who is Niko?
Crazy
What does pōrangi mean?
They urinate on Niko
What happens at the beginning of the novel?
Making fun of or hurting someone without good reason.
Bullying
Pohe Bay
What is the name of the Bay in which the novel is set?
The creature in the river.
A Māori weapon
What is a taiaha?
Koro intervenes and urinates on him.
What happens when Niko tries to defend Moki against Tū?
This is getting to know someone beyond what their name is.
What is a relationship?
Rural, small town, and a close-knit community.
What type of place is Pohe Bay?
The person who has the most influence over Niko.
Who is Koro?
A sacred greenstone pendant
What is a pounamu?
They're trying to build a prison.
Why is Pohe Bay in the news?
The people who support you and encourage you to be your best.
What is family/friendship?
Characters like Mrs Wobberly are dismissive of Māori culture, bullying happens frequently without consequence.
What are some of the negatives of the setting?
To create a character that Kino can identify with.
Why did Kino create/write this book?
Guardian/caregiver
What does kaitiaki mean?
His koro's spirit will return.
What does Niko hope will happen when he threw the pounamu in the river?
What is an example of standing up for others in the novel?
He goes to the river with Wai to find Taukere/the taniwha.
How does Niko connect with his spirituality after his Koro dies?
He stands out because he has a strong connection to his identity through his grandfather.
What makes Niko stand out as a character?
What does 'kia tere' mean?
The Treaty of Waitangi's importance and Māori land ownership.
What do Mrs Wobberly and Wai argue over?
An example of this is when Koro tells Niko that he is a descendant of Hongi Hika and that he needs to learn to use the taiaha.
What is an example of the importance of culture in the novel?
How does Koro show that he cares for his culture/whanau?