This summer I participated in a Study Abroad program to New Zealand. This experience gave me the opportunity to see how people in a different country live on a day-to-day basis. For me, one of the more interesting aspects of New Zealand was its indigenous culture, the Māori. I really had no knowledge on the Maori culture, but after being in New Zealand for only three weeks our group learned so much.

 

            During the first week in New Zealand we spent our time in Auckland.  While here we received a tour from the Auckland of Technology University, AUT.  During this we were able to learn about the Maori culture from two men who are Maori.  They are cousins and in the same tribe.  They expressed how much love they have for their heritage and showed how much passion goes into everything.  We learned how to pronounce a few words from the Maori language.  They taught us how to sing their alphabet in the tune to Stupid Cupid.  We were also taught many other songs and ways of life.  I loved the respect they have for their people and how eager they were to teach us their ways of life.

 

            After the week in Auckland we traveled to Rotuorua.  One of the first few days there we participated in Haka world.  Our guide gave lessons of the traditional dance of the haka.  He explained what it is, the story behind, how to speak the words, and many aspects of the Maori life.  We learned about the Marae and what it meant to be sitting in this meeting place.  While there we were taught about  the story of life for the Maori and the aspects of the haka.  After learning the song and movements of the haka we all dressed in traditional-like clothing to perform the haka.  It was a very powerful experience and such a rush. This was an amazing way to communicate that we are ready for battle, hear us roar, come and get us.

 

            While in Rotorua, our group visited the Tamaki Maori Village.  Everyone was amazing and this was such an educational experience.  The people here re-create the traditional ways of a Maori village.  It shows the viewer how life use to be before the European settlers.  You are greeted by the chief of the tribe and then lead into the village.  Here you are able to learn about myths, games, tattooing, and carving.  The people put on an amazing traditional performance and you get to eat from a traditional hangi.  This meal is comparable to our Thanksgiving.  It was by far some of the best food I experienced on the trip. 

 

            We also visited the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute while in Rotoura.  A Maori tribe still exists and resides in this village.  You are able to see traditional practices but that have slightly modernized.  The village is on top of a thermal reserve, a place that is very important to the Maori people.  We were greeted by a traditional song and dance performance.  Our guide, who grew up in the village, lead us through talking about the art work, song and dance, how they utilize flax plants, how this village uses the thermal geysers below, traditional and modern tattoos, how the hot springs operate, and other little facts about her Maori culture.

 

             These personal experiences gave me a lot of insight for this project.  I learned many things from every encounter with the Maori culture.  It is everywhere you turn in New Zealand.  This country embraces the Maori and their traditional ways of life.  I learned about the rich history and explored through some usage of traditional artwork. I loved the spirituality of the Maori and how they link to the environment.  Having an oral language it is amazing how they communicate stories and legends in everything they do.  Their carvings, clothes, tattoos, song, dances, and stories all express the legends and figures from the past. 

 

            For this project I wanted to show how the Maori culture has evolved through the years.  After being over in New Zealand for three weeks, I noticed that this was one of their distinctive ways of life.  I found it fascinating how they showcase their legends and how powerful the songs and dances are.  I was completely moved by their music.  For these reasons I wanted to change my project to show how the Maori culture use various forms of artwork, tattoos, carving, weaving, speaking, and music to communicate their stories and way of life to the world.