Melda from New Zealand

 
 
 
 

Vocabulary

wood	jewelry	lord (2)
spicy	peace	favorite
hope	expect	keep on
stay	piece	souvenir
bit	island	gum (2)

 
 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

My name is Melda Holdster. I’m 59, and I live in Cartoy, North Island, New Zealand.

What do you do for a living?

I’ve got a little souvenir shop, and I sell Kauri gum and Kauri Wood and a few bits and pieces of jewelry.

The Kauri tree only grow mostly in the North Island, and you might find Kauri gum down Nicola Mendel, but it doesn’t grow in the South Island.

It’s the biggest kauri tree in New Zealand; it’s called “Tali Mahuta”. Tali Mahuta means the lord of the forest. It’s about 2,000 years old; it’s biggest tree in the world.

What makes you happy?

I happy when I’m doing my work, like when I’m doing and cleaning the kauri gum, because everyone I do is completely different.

What’s your favorite food?

I don’t have a favorite. I like all foods long — as it’s not spicy.

What do you expect for your future?

I hope to stay in good health, then keep on working for as long as I can. That’s what I hope to do.

Which country would you like to visit?

Next month I’m going to Dubai because I’ve got a daughter over there she’s a schoolteacher. So I’m going and stay with her for month.
 

*     *     *     *     *     *     *

 

Questions

1. Who is this person? Is she from Australia? Is she a Baby-Boomer, Millennial or Generation-Z?

2. Melda has market stall where she sells fruits and vegetables. True or false?

3. Does the wood carvings come from the pine tree, oak tree or kauri tree?

4. The kauri tree can be very, very big and old. Is this right or wrong?

5. Do luxury cars and discos makes Melda happy?

6. She probably loves Indian and Mexican foods. Is this correct or incorrect?

7. Does she plan on visiting New York, London and Paris?

 

A. Are there any wood carvings in your home? Do you or your friends have any wood carvings? Have you seen wood carvings in shops or art galleries?

B. Many big trees grow in my region. Yes or no?

C. I am from New Zealand. I live in New Zealand. I have been to New Zealand. True or false? Have you met anyone from New Zealand?

D. Describe the geography and climate of New Zealand.

E. Describe the economy of New Zealand. What does it import and export?

F. What is the food of New Zealand like?

G. Does New Zealand have any problems? What problems does it have?

H. What are some tourist attractions (historical, cultural, natural)?

I. What do you associate with New Zealand? What comes to mind when you think of New Zealand?