Sent through Kayla Neiderfer on the 2016 winter consultation program in New Zealand through the Department of Animal and Food Sciences …
Since my arrival in New Zealand, I have heard frequently about the indigenous tribes of the Maori people, but I had not noticed anything distinctive from the Maori. Although many Maori expressions are commonly used through the Kiwis (New Zealanders), the language was the only evidence of Maori influence. At least that’s what I thought, until recently.
Earlier this week, our research organization attended a night of Maori culture at Willowbank Reserve. After walking through the reserve and seeing the local animals of New Zealand, we immerse ourselves in a new cultural experience. A chef was chosen to constitute visitors and a classic Maori welcome rite was held outside the Maori village. We were not allowed into the village until the rite passed smoothly. After the Maori leader accepted us to his village, we saw classic dances accompanied by songs that sang. We even learned to do some of his dances, adding his war dance called Haka. We finished the evening with a classic Maori meal, consisting basically of meat and sweet potatoes and cooked in a well with hot stones buried in the ground.
The delight of this new culture was undoubtedly astonishing. I’ve never seen a culture so hooked to its roots with such pride. I find it surprising how strong this culture is, and I’ve learned that it has more effect on New Zealand’s fashion culture than I thought. It turns out that New Zealand’s national roaring team, the All Blacks, who have been world champions on several occasions, introduce the Haka before each and every game when they pass out on the pitch. Many names of posts across the country also return to their original Maori names instead of the new English names given to them when the country was colonized across Britain. I am encouraged by the way Kiwis embrace New Zealand’s indigenous culture and I love their sense of pride in their culture.
Waiho te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa
Let’s stay close to each other, not far apart