Samira - Using Te Ara

L.I. Develop our knowledge of Auckland and the Tamaki River.

Familiarise ourselves with an online NZ encyclopaedia.

Use our skimming and scanning skills.

Use this link to open Te Ara

Enter Waitemata into the search box and use that page to answer these questions.

What sort of landform is the Waitemata harbour? The Waitemata harbour is known  as the Auckland Harbour which is drowned river valley.

Why was it chosen to be New Zealand’s capital? It was chosen because it had tidal flats mangroves in the upper reaches, to the west  and sandy bay’s with sandstone cliffs onwards the eastern shore.

What does Waitemata mean? Waitemata means obsidians waters also the glassy surface  resembled volcanic which is black rock. (Te Ara)

Tell me one interesting fact about each of these features of the Waitemata:

Auckland’s chief port - The Auckland’s port on the Waitemata was essential to the progress of the city and region.

Viaduct basin - The Viaduct basin site of the old fishing harbour was developed in the mid 1990’s

West Haven - West Haven is the largest marina in Australia

Harbour bridge - The Auckland  Harbour bridge is (1,020 m long)

Greenhithe bridge - The  Greenhithe bridge was built in 1975 as a alternative harbour  crossing.

Natural features - Natural features of the Waitemata include Meola reef also known as Te Tokoroa  meaning long reef.