Submitted by Sara Toner on the 2016 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Animal and Food Sciences…
As part of the study abroad experience, many students are tasked with learning about the local cultures and customs. While here in New Zealand, our group got to experience some of these traditions when we attended a Māori heritage night at the Willowbank Wildlife Preserve. The Māori are the indigenous people of New Zealand who trace their lineage back to the islands of Eastern Polynesia. Our group, along with several others, were tasked with picking a chief so that our “tribe” could be met by the chief of the tribe welcoming us. The welcoming tribe first starts by attempting to do their best to intimidate the approaching tribe’s chief. This is done through vocalizations and facial expressions. Once the new tribe is deemed worthy, the two chiefs will exchange a hongi where they press their foreheads and noses against one another to signify the exchanging of souls. Getting to watch the first few moments of interaction was unlike anything I’d ever seen.
We then entered the theater and got to watch as the tribe performed several songs and dances for us. The women performed a traditional poi dance where small balls on cords are swung gracefully with the music. We learned that originally poi was used for Māori warriors to gain flexibility in their wrists before it shifted to performance art for the women. The girls in our group were then invited on stage and taught how to correctly complete the poi. We were no where near as graceful as the previous women and kept hitting one another accidentally. It was a very unique experience to say the least and I’m happy I got to share it with the friends that I have made on this program.
After we all embarrassed ourselves thoroughly, it was the boys turn. First, the tribe performed the haka which is the tribe’s traditional war dance. During the haka, the men slap their chests and stick out their tongues to intimidate the opposing tribe. The chief explained to us that the tongue out with eyes wide set signified the warrior’s desire to “devour” his opponents. After demonstrating, the boys from our group got on stage to participate. The entire night was a great bonding experience for all of us students, as well as a great learning opportunity.
Before leaving, the tribe taught us that the Māori only say good-bye to those who have passed on. Instead, they say mā te wā or see you again. I feel that this perfectly sums up my journey here in New Zealand. To all the friends I have made and all the places I have been, I will not say good-bye. Instead, I will say mā te wā.