Submitted by Isabella DeFrancesco on the 2020 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Communication…
After a week in New Zealand, I am in awe of the appreciation that New Zealand has for nature. While just driving through the area, it is clear that New Zealand is filled with so much natural beauty. There are rolling hills, untouched rain forests, and ocean front places surrounded by still towns. Throughout our week, we learned about different happiness practices and focused on our connection to the natural world through understanding the culture and lifestyle of the Maori people. Our excursions with the Maori people have taught us about their relationship with the natural world.
One day, we attended a twilight walk through the Waipoua Rain Forest and visited one of the oldest and largest kauri trees in the country and learned about how the Maori pay their respect to nature by giving back to what the world gives to them. One of our tour guides, Billy, explained that when the Maori catch their first fish, they give it back to the ocean to show gratitude for the ocean being kind and giving. This experience contributed to my happiness immensely because it allowed me to recognize my insignificance in the world and understand the importance of respecting the world that we live in. So far, I have enjoyed my experience in New Zealand greatly and am excited to see more of what the country has to offer.
