Submitted by Heather Bianco on the 2019 winter session study abroad program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology…
As I have mentioned, one of the benefits to traveling is the ability to learn about other cultures of the world. The culture of New Zealand comes from two peoples – those who immigrated from England, and those who immigrated from Polynesian islands. Those in the latter group are called the Māori. If you have been to Hawaii, you might experience a similar culture in the native Hawaiians (another people from Polynesia). I was fortunate enough to be able to experience Māori culture with my peers at Te Wharewaka o Poneke, which means the Wellington Waka House. A waka is the traditional canoe that the Māori paddle. While on board, the captain leads a chant and the paddlers answer the call, driving the boat either forward or back, stopping it, or even conducting a war salute that is meant to show strength, beauty, and power. We were also told the Māori story of how New Zealand was found by their ancestors, and of the symbolism in their art, jewelry, and boats. It was moving, and incredibly heartening. They are so proud of their culture, and so willing to share it with others. They want their stories to be heard. They want others to appreciate their beliefs and customs. To hear what they have gone through after colonization, and to see the strength of their resilience, could bring a tear to even the toughest soul’s eye. I hope that others will continue to see the beauty in the Māori ways of life and continue to respect their existence. We can learn quite a bit from them if we choose to listen.