RNZ Aotearoa History Show S2 EP11

True or False: The number 8 wire mentality refers to mass-produced steel fencing wire invented in 1855 by an Englishman named Henry Bessemer.

• True

• False

True or False: The number 8 wire was popular in New Zealand because it was much cheaper and stronger than any wire invented before.

• True

• False

True or False: New Zealand farms are covered in stone walls and hedges, unlike European farms which have steel wire fences.

• True

• False

True or False: The number 8 wire mentality came from the fact that many farms in New Zealand were remote, so farmers often had to fix things themselves using old fencing wire.

• True

• False

True or False: Fencing wire became a metaphor for innovation and resourcefulness in New Zealand farming.

• True

• False

True or False: Innovation in New Zealand agriculture began with the arrival of Europeans in the 1800s. 

• True

• False

True or False: Native plants in New Zealand did not produce enough food to sustain the Maori people, so they had to rely solely on plants they brought with them.

• True

• False

True or False: Maori used stones and sand to create ideal growing conditions for the tropical kumara plant in New Zealand's cooler climate.

• True

• False

True or False: Early European farmers in New Zealand were quick to learn from Maori about local conditions and farming techniques.

• True

• False

True or False: Sheep farming in New Zealand became famous for its innovative shearing techniques, including the development of the Bowen technique.

• True

• False