Submitted by Kelsey Williar on the 2016 winter session program in New Zealand sponsored by the Department of Kinesiology and Applied Physiology…
From my observation, Kiwis have a great respect for the nature that surrounds them. While visiting Tunnel Beach and on the Elm’s Wildlife tour, I noticed a surprising lack of fences separating the animals from the humans. I think this speaks to the values the natives of New Zealand hold for the land and animals. From what I can gather, they respect their nature and wildlife to such an extent that destruction or disturbance of the environment is not even a legitimate issue to be considered. In America, there would have been signs and fences around every type of exotic plant and animal, while here we were allowed to be mere feet away from seal lions and endangered penguins. While exploring Tunnel Beach, I was shocked by the lack of trash and litter on the ground and in the ocean. It makes me incredibly sad that Americans do not, and sometimes choose not, to have a higher level of respect for our earth. For my part, I am going to bring home this Kiwi type appreciation and reverence for the land and wildlife. New Zealand has the right idea, “Take only pictures, and leave only footprints”.