I caveat this post with the very obvious fact that we spent less than a week in New Zealand so all observations and theories below are strictly opinions based on our limited time there.
One major difference between New Zealand and Australia is that New Zealanders seemed so proud of their heritage. Australia’s aboriginals are still struggling (and I mean that in the most serious sense) in so many ways; for their rights to be recognized, to find their place in society, for equality and acceptance…I could go on and on.
The Maori people and traditions, in contrast, seem to be celebrated in New Zealand. This pride was evident throughout our experience. From the very moment we arrived, we were greeted with “Kia’Ora” and other beautiful Maori words.
While in Rotorua, we enjoyed a Maori performance and traditional Hangi dinner. The Maori were fierce warriors and we were greeted by the Chief and his warrior clan.
After a walk through the Maori village and very informative performances about the Maori way-of-life, we watched our Hangi dinner being taken out of the ground.
The dinner was delicious and the smoked flavor was so unique. Both Ryan and I went back for seconds.
We also enjoyed a performance which included songs, dances, and stories from the Maori.
*Sorry for the bad quality of this picture.* The Maori have distinctive dances and chants (hakas) that can be very intimidating. They use their body parts as instruments and fierce faces for intimidation. The New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, begins each match with the Haka, issued as a challenge to their opponents. If you haven’t seen a haka before, click on the video links below. The intensity and pride is truly amazing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMCAV6Yd0Y&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JphKPhW_m68&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nrkvpi9IuSk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0W7YdKYPl0&feature=related
I’m a sucker for traditions, culture, and patriotism. I’m one of those girls who gets weepy during the National Anthem so the whole evening with the Maori was truly moving. As we were leaving, one of the hosts shared with us a Maori saying that was perfectly fitting for that evening (the 10th anniversary of September 11th) and for the world in which we live.
“E ki ana te korero ko te mea nui ki roto i te ao he tangata he tangata he tangata. [The most important thing in the world is people, people, people.]”
Wow, I bet that was fascinating. It reminds me of when we went to a traditional (but commercial, I’m sure) luau in Hawaii. They explained a lot of the native dances and chants and it was so cool. I absolutely loved it.
@Joanna, yes totally! I kept reminding myself I was at a tourist (commercial) event but eventually I stopped because I was so enthralled with the evening.
Wonderful, your observations regarding the challenges of Australia’s indigenous people is sad to read, especially for an Australian returning home and proud of being born in a country that is home to the oldest surviving culture of people on earth. All indigenous populations that have had their land dispossessed face huge challenges in their home countries. The parallels are often striking. Australia’s Aboriginals, Maoris and Native Americans all face struggles, that are often staggeringly similar, I hope that in your time in Australia you have the opportunity to attend an Aboriginal cultural event that displays the same pride as you saw in NZ.
@Marcus, Ryan and I are trying to make it a priority to learn more about the Aborginal culture in Australia. Our Social Justice committee at church is very good at bringing these issues to light but I’m sure we’re only brushing the surface.
Oops. You fell for the whole tourist bit, hook line and sinker … before you write me off as a sourpuss, the subject is a huge can of worms. And I do mean huge.
Glad you enjoyed your stay!
@Argus, that’s why I was careful to include a disclaimer at the top of the post. I can only speak to my experiences as a tourist because that’s what I am. 🙂 Thanks for the comment and for stopping by.