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11/2/2017

They're Really Not That Scary!

 
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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. 
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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.  
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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! 
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All photos courtesy of 100% New Zealand Tourism

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