They're Really Not That Scary!

I had the opportunity this week to learn more about  New Zealand's Maori culture.  A fascinating hour, well spent. 

The speaker, a Maori himself, comes from a family with a long history of promoting this island nation.  We were treated to a number of wonderful pictures, paintings and stories, including ones of his great grandmother dancing in New York City promoting New Zealand's culture.    I wish I could share them here, but they were pictures from his own photo album.   

New Zealand is considered to be be of the world's youngest nations, and how it "came about" I found especially fascinating.  I've always been aware of Polynesian influence on New Zealand, but I did not know about the legend of Maui, the Hawaiian demigod, and how he fished" up the North Island. 

Maui and his brothers were  fishing in their canoe.  Maui had made a fishhook from a magical ancestral jawbone, and threw it over the side of their canoe,  reciting magic words while doing so.  The hook went deeper and deeper, and when Maui felt a tug, he and his brothers pulled the "fish" up to the surface.   This fish became the North Island.  

​To this day, the North Island is known as Te Ika, "Maui's Fish" in Maori, and the South Island Te Waka, "Maui's canoe".  

While a legend, what makes this so interesting is seeing the map of New Zealand.   The South Island is shaped like a canoe, and the North Island like a fish.  No satellite pictures, no maps, no airplanes to fly over to see the outline from above.   How did the  Maori figure this out so long ago? 
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Today, approximately 600,000 residents (15% of the population), self identify as Maori.  While a small part of the total population, Maori culture and terms from the 1840 treaty between the British government and Maori tribes remain a big part of what New Zealand is today.

To  really immerse oneself in Maori culture, go to Rotorua, the cultural capital of New Zealand, where they do a wonderful job showcasing Maori history.  Here you can experience a hongi, the traditional Maori greeting and haka, the war dance.  Another top Maori experience is lunch at the Whakarewarewa Maouri Village - cooked traditionally using the geothermal steam of the geyers.  Of course relaxing in one of the mud paths or geothermal spas is also a must.  

Photo taken by Adam Bryce

While Maori cultural experiences can be found all through out New Zealand,  Rotorua is the "capital" for a reason.  And the area offers adventure, nature and culinary experiences as well.  A beautiful spot not to be missed! 

All photos courtesy of 100% New Zealand Tourism

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