Week 2: Maori

It's hard to believe that I have been in New Zealand for over a week now. It feels like I've been here for weeks yet also that we just got here. It has already been an adventure and we have 14 weeks left, I’m excited. :)

On Tuesday, we had a rather surprise turn to our day. We were informed that we were going to a Maori marae that day and had to prepare a waiata, song to sing to Maori. Not only that but that we were going to a tangi, a Maori funeral. I had never been to a funeral before but this was a unique experience that many people (non-Maori) get to partake in. Everything went well considering we had 3 hours to prepare 2 Maori songs and proper etiquette. It was remarkable that the Maori allowed us to come onto the marae during their time of grief and sorrow. I learned more about their culture in a single hour that I could have in a week or reading or lecture.

The intricacy of the carvings on the wharanui, main cultural house, is amazing. We were told the history and stories behind the statues which was really interesting. They stress knowing their ancestry and heritage which makes me which I knew more about mine. I know some things about my grandparents but hardly anything about my great grandparents. Maori know their ancestor that first arrived in New Zealand countless generations before.

It is the weekend, and I am totally excited for it. Eight of us in the class are going to Watangi Day Festival tomorrow which should have great events and shows/performers. Apparently the Australian Idol will be there, woot woot. As planned now we will be going to Auckland that night and climbing a volcano on Sunday. It should be a good time.

Fun Fact:
New Zealanders pronounce the letter Z as Zed.