Visiting a Marae in New Zealand with TIME Unlimited
September 28th 2009 06:57
New Zealand is famous as a country that offers everything; stunning beaches, magnificent mountains, pristine lakes, wild rivers, lush bush, rich farmland, 21st century cities, quaint country towns, pure fresh food, luxury hotels, sumptuous spas and gourmet restaurants. But it is the Maori culture that sets it apart from any other place on earth and makes it truly unique. TIME Unlimited’s Maori Culture Tours are a chance not just to see, but to live that culture.
A TIME Unlimited Marae (village, or community centre) visit begins with a traditional welcome, or Powhiri. The speeches during this profoundly moving ceremony show Te Reo Maori (Maori language) at its finest, purest and most poetic. Even in translation the imagery is exquisite. They are supported by beautiful, traditional waiata (songs) The powhiri ends with the legendary hongi or nose-press and after this, the manuhiri (visitors) are no longer waewaetapu (sacred feet) but whanau, or family.
Together the new whanau share a hakari (feast) of kai Maori, or traditional Maori cuisine. Nights are spent together in the communal wharenui, or meeting house. Stories of Marae history and traditions, including the signifance of the structure of the meeting house and its decoration are shared before sleep.
The Marae visit offers opportunities to learn some Reo, some waiata and karakia (prayers) and to participate in cultural activities such as the haka (the Maori war dance made famous by the All Blacks), flax weaving and wood carving.
Most importantly, it offers another chance to forge bonds and form friendships.
For more about TIME Unlimited’s Maori Culture Tours visit www.newzealandtours.travel
Next post; Uncover your very own New Zealand with TIME Unlimited
The Hongi
A TIME Unlimited Marae (village, or community centre) visit begins with a traditional welcome, or Powhiri. The speeches during this profoundly moving ceremony show Te Reo Maori (Maori language) at its finest, purest and most poetic. Even in translation the imagery is exquisite. They are supported by beautiful, traditional waiata (songs) The powhiri ends with the legendary hongi or nose-press and after this, the manuhiri (visitors) are no longer waewaetapu (sacred feet) but whanau, or family.
At the Marae gate (Photo TIME Unlimited)
Together the new whanau share a hakari (feast) of kai Maori, or traditional Maori cuisine. Nights are spent together in the communal wharenui, or meeting house. Stories of Marae history and traditions, including the signifance of the structure of the meeting house and its decoration are shared before sleep.
The Marae visit offers opportunities to learn some Reo, some waiata and karakia (prayers) and to participate in cultural activities such as the haka (the Maori war dance made famous by the All Blacks), flax weaving and wood carving.
Most importantly, it offers another chance to forge bonds and form friendships.
For more about TIME Unlimited’s Maori Culture Tours visit www.newzealandtours.travel
Next post; Uncover your very own New Zealand with TIME Unlimited
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