News Mash-up: New Zealand

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Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. tribe / traɪb / (n.) – a group of people who live together and share the same culture, history, and traditions
    Example:

    The faraway island has been the tribe’s home for hundreds of years.


  2. compose / kəmˈpoʊz / (v.) – to create a written piece, such as a song, story, poem, etc.
    Example:

    The singer performed a song she composed.


  3. crackdown / ˈkrækˌdaʊn / (n.) – an official action done by authorities to punish people doing illegal activities
    Example:

    The government crackdown on illegal drugs led to the arrest of many major drug sellers.


  4. extinguish / ɪkˈstɪŋ gwɪʃ / (v.) – to put an end to something
    Example:

    The military used force to try and extinguish the protests.


  5. retailer / ˈriˌteɪl ər / (n.) – a person or shop that sells products to the public
    Example:

    Several fashion retailers were badly affected by Covid-19.


Article

Read the text below.

Maori in NZ ask protesters to stop using haka


A Maori tribe that claims New Zealand’s most famous haka as its heritage on Nov. 15 told anti-vaccine protesters to stop using the traditional performance to promote their message.


Vaccine protesters have performed the Ka Mate, a Maori haka composed around 1820 by Te Rauparaha, war leader of the Ngati Toa tribe, at recent rallies against vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions.


Ka Mate is the most widely known haka as it has been performed by the All Blacks at international rugby matches. (Reuters)


NZ to ban cigarette sales for future generations


New Zealand plans to ban young people from ever buying cigarettes in their lifetime in one of the world’s toughest crackdowns on the tobacco industry, arguing that other efforts to extinguish smoking were taking too long.


People aged 14 and under in 2027 will never be allowed to purchase cigarettes in the Pacific country of 5 million, part of proposals unveiled on Dec. 9 that will also curb the number of retailers authorized to sell tobacco and cut nicotine levels in all products.


Currently, 11.6% of all New Zealanders aged over 15 smoke, a proportion that rises to 29% among Indigenous Maori adults, according to government figures. (Reuters)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • According to some sources, some Maori tribal leaders say that many of their ancestors died in previous pandemics, and they believe vaccines can help prevent that. This is the reason why they want anti-vaccine protesters to stop using their traditional dance. Do you think this is reasonable? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The haka is also performed by some athletes during international matches. Do you think it’s okay to perform a traditional dance in such situations? Why or why not? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • New Zealand plans to ban young people from ever buying cigarettes in their lifetime. Do you think this action can effectively extinguish smoking? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What other actions do you think can help extinguish smoking (ex. imposing higher taxes on tobacco products, imposing a limit on cigarette purchase)? Why? Discuss.