The project was implemented in April 2005 and will run for one year as a pilot programme.
The first of the four digital stories will explore the origins and history of the Tuhoe area, Ruatoki, which is made up of 10 hapu and with 12 maraes, and is the only Tuhoe community with a completed Waitangi Tribunal Rapatu report.
The report on Ruatoki provides a rich source of historical data, outlining daily tribal life and events, food sources, the environment, and reference points to landmarks in the area. For additional insight into Ruatoki life and history, students will also be encouraged to talk with local Kuia and Kaumatua.
A cultural framework which includes the stages of languages sees the vernacular use of Te Reo in the stories. The use of informal Te Reo is seen as a way of encouraging young students to continue or re-engage with Te Reo. Informal language allows students to explore and experiment with Te Reo without getting hung up on pronunciation and grammar, and is a truer reflection of how Te Reo is spoken in the home, playground or marae.
The length of each digital story depends on the number of chapters, with chapters varying between one to five minutes in length.
Chapters will use interviews, shots of landmarks, commentary, animation and graphics to illustrate and explain each digital story about Tuhoe’s heritage.
The topics for the remaining three digital stories are undecided, however, the second story will be a more in-depth look at a theme or idea from the first digital story.
Workshops run by the Anamata Research Centre will be held to help students with their research skills, while a teacher and project leader Hans Tiakiwai from Te Wharekura O Ruatoki will assist and help the students with the technology.
The first story will be ready by early December while the second one will be available the beginning of 2006.
The project’s first milestone report is due in September.
