Electronics Tech - Final Presentation

They say you can't judge a book by it's cover... My Writing Sample

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover.

By Malena Shakespeare

The mismatched eyes stare back at me, burning into my skin. One a fiery yellow, the other a piercing grey. Lines are etched onto the pale white face, just visible beneath the powdery makeup. His cheekbones stick out, making his face look gaunt and strained. The bright pink lipstick, painted ever so carefully on, cracks at the corners. His lips are thin, like a piece of elastic, stretched to the breaking point. What could have been a subtle blush is smeared over the cheeks. A hint of mascara upon the eyelashes, spoiled by the pink macaroon eyeshadow around the unusual eyes. The cotton candy coloured hat perches on top of this man’s bright orange hair, shadowing the pinched face. His collar covers the skinny neck, and his nose is slightly lopsided. Orange eyebrows, blend into the hair. White teeth and a perfect face.

The Mad Hatter. Many have heard the stories, some different to others. But each time they are told, he is not a villain. He’s a character of love and help, well known for his excessive tea parties. His name gets mentioned, and everybody's minds are enveloped in their childhood fairytales. And now I’m face to face, staring up while he is looking down at me.  My childhood dream was to meet him, to meet this man whom everyone has such a high opinion of. But they say you can’t judge a book by its cover. And that’s the thought that whirls in my mind as I notice the smile that isn’t a smile, and the flash of silver glinting in the papery hand. And suddenly, the bright colour on his face doesn’t look as cheery as before...

Matahiwi Marae Trip

Today we went to Matahiwi Marae. I have done a Powhiri before, so it wasn't anything new to me. The only thing different was this year we all had to hongi! After a bit of Morning Tea, we split into three groups to explore the different places of the Marae. The first place my group went was the Wharenui. It was amazing inside. There were sculptures of people in tribes and Tuki Tuki panels on the walls. One of the men explained to us that Maui was the spine of the family, so he was represented at the arch of the Wharenui. There was a huge whale jawbone on the wall, that represented the sea people.

The next place we visited was the wharekai, which is like the dining room. There were paintings all over the walls, and the woman explained to us what it all meant. It was the story of Matahiwi marae.

Lastly we went to the Pae Pae. That's where the Powhiri happened. We were explained to about the theme of green around the marae. It was because there is young, living life all around Matahiwi, and green represents that.