Biography Builder

Tūhono — Choose your famous New Zealander

First, visit the Notable New Zealanders app to find and research your person. Then come back here and type their name below!

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Notable New Zealanders

Browse 18 remarkable New Zealanders from 1840 to today. Read their stories, then come back here to write your biography!

Open the app →

✅ Done exploring? Type the name of the person you chose below:

Famous New Zealander's name What are they famous for? (one sentence)

Kete Kōrero — Your Sentence Toolbox

Good writers use a variety of sentence types. Tap each card to learn about it — with examples just for your person!

Statement

Gives the reader a fact.

Tap to see an example →

Question

Asks the reader something.

Tap to see an example →

Exclamation

Shows strong feeling or excitement.

Tap to see an example →

Compound

Two ideas joined by and, but, or so.

Tap to see an example →

Complex

A main idea + extra detail joined by: although, because, when, while, if, since, after, before.

Tap to see an example →

Your WALT: Use at least 3 different sentence types in your biography. You will earn a star for each one! ⭐

Paragraph 1: Introduction

Hook your reader! Introduce your person and make them want to read on.

What to include: Who are they? When and where were they born? What made them famous? Try a question or exclamation to grab attention!

Example — Sir Edmund Hillary

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand on top of the world? Sir Edmund Hillary, one of New Zealand's greatest heroes, did exactly that. Born in Auckland in 1919, he became the first person, along with Tenzing Norgay, to reach the summit of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953.

🖥️ Google Slides tip: This is Slide 1 — Introduction. Use a large heading and add a photo of your person. Keep text big enough to read!

I named who this person is
I said why they are famous
I used an interesting opening sentence (question or exclamation)
I wrote at least 3 sentences

0 words

Paragraph 2: Early Life

What was your person's childhood and early life like?

What to include: Where did they grow up? What was their family like? What early experiences shaped them?

Example — Sir Edmund Hillary

Growing up in Tuakau, a small town south of Auckland, Edmund Hillary was a shy but determined boy. Although he was not particularly sporty as a child, a school trip to Mount Ruapehu when he was sixteen sparked a lifelong passion for mountaineering. Because he was tall and strong, he quickly became skilled at climbing the peaks of the Southern Alps.

🖥️ Google Slides tip: Slide 2 — Early Life. Try adding a map of NZ showing where your person grew up. Full sentences are better than bullet points in a biography!

I described where they grew up
I mentioned something about their family or childhood
I used a complex sentence (because, although, when, while...)
I wrote at least 3 sentences

0 words

Paragraph 3: Achievements

What great things did your person achieve?

What to include: Their most important achievements. Challenges they overcame. Use time words: first, eventually, by [year], after years of...

Example — Sir Edmund Hillary

On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay finally reached the summit of Mount Everest — the highest point on Earth. What an extraordinary moment for New Zealand and the world! After years of failed attempts by other climbers, they had conquered the impossible. Hillary later led the New Zealand section of the Commonwealth Trans-Antarctic Expedition in 1958, becoming one of the first people to reach the South Pole overland since Scott in 1912.

🖥️ Google Slides tip: Slide 3 — Achievements. This is a great place for a timeline! Use Insert → Table or draw text boxes in a row to show key dates.

I mentioned at least 2 achievements
I described a challenge they overcame
I used time words (first, then, eventually, after...)
I wrote at least 3 sentences

0 words

Paragraph 4: Impact & Legacy

Why does your person matter? What is their legacy?

What to include: How did they change New Zealand or the world? Why should we remember them? What can we learn from their life?

Example — Sir Edmund Hillary

Sir Edmund Hillary's legacy reaches far beyond mountain tops. Because he cared deeply about the Sherpa people of Nepal, he dedicated much of his life to building schools and hospitals in the Himalayan region. Today, his face appears on the New Zealand five-dollar note — a lasting reminder of what one determined Kiwi can achieve. His life teaches us that with courage, humility, and hard work, anything is possible.

🖥️ Google Slides tip: Slide 4 — Legacy. End with a strong image and your most powerful sentence displayed large. A coloured shape with a fun fact looks great here!

I explained why this person matters
I connected their life to New Zealand or the world today
I ended with a strong, memorable sentence
I wrote at least 3 sentences

0 words

🖥️ Plan Your Google Slides

Your biography = 5 slides. Here is what goes on each one!

Remember: Each paragraph becomes one slide. Add a heading, paste your writing into a text box, then find a good image to go with it.

Title slide — Your person's name in big letters. Your name underneath. A great photo as the background or beside the text.

Introduction — Heading: "Introduction". Paste in your Paragraph 1. Add a photo of your person.

Early Life — Heading: "Early Life". Paste in your Paragraph 2. Add a map or childhood photo.

Achievements — Heading: "Achievements". Paste in your Paragraph 3. Add a timeline or key photo.

Legacy — Heading: "Legacy". Paste in your Paragraph 4. Add a powerful image or quote.

Google Slides checklist:
✅ Each slide has a clear heading
✅ Text is size 14 or bigger
✅ Images are clear and relevant
✅ Colours are not too busy — keep it clean!
✅ Your name is on the title slide

🎉

Tino pai! Amazing work!

Your biography is complete. Check your stars and read through your writing below!

Your completed biography

Final check before sending:
📖 Read it out loud — does it flow?
✏️ Is each paragraph on a new line?
🔤 Check spelling and punctuation
🖥️ Are your Google Slides organised and looking great?

I have 4 clear paragraphs
Each paragraph has a different topic
I used at least 3 types of sentences
My biography flows and makes sense
I have checked my spelling and punctuation
My Google Slides are organised and look great

Your first name (so Mr de Wit knows who sent it)

🌿 My NZ Biography Builder

Tino pai! Amazing work!