Submitted by Samantha Cuomo on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in Australia and New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Business Administration…
My cultural explosion began before I arrived in Auckland. I met a couple on the plane named Margret and Ian. They were indigenous people known as Maoris. We began talking and she asked me if I knew about the culture of where I was staying. I told her I had some knowledge, but if she’d like to share some knowledge I would be happy to learn more about their culture.
One of the things Margret told me about was Pounamu. Pounamu is a green gem only found in the rivers of New Zealand. Once they are found, they are shaped accordingly. Each design has a separate meaning, so while one may mean eternal love, another means purity and determination. However, it can only be given as a gift or it is seen as bad luck.
I proceeded to ask her about some of the more non-touristy places to go so I can see the local environment. She told me about the Ranges and Waiheke Island, both of which we are visiting on our program. Now, four days later, I can say that I have been to Waiheke Island and it was amazing!
It’s been a great start to the program thus far and I look forward to the rest of my program!