Submitted by Rebecca Downard on the 2013 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by The School of Marine Science and Policy…
During week 1 of my study abroad trip in New Zealand, we visited several beaches to study the conditions, and to identify which types of marine life lived there. We also visited several scenic locations, of which New Zealand has many, simply to enjoy the experience. We also spent several days learning about the indigenous people, known as the Maori. We stopped at the Waitangi treaty grounds, the site of an important event in New Zealand’s history. There, we saw a performance of traditional Maori dances and chants performed by an acting group. We also spent the night in a Maori meeting house, called a Marae, and learned how to weave flax into flowers and to dance the Haka, the same Maori dance we’d seen performed earlier. New Zealand is truly a beautiful country and I’ve really enjoyed being here.