Maoris reap benefits of past conservation

0 Comments read Environment & Development, Indigenous, Travel

By Neena Bhandari

Wellington, 30.08.2005 (IPS): The conservation of land and water has been at the forefront of Maori life and today they are capitalizing the resource to boost eco-tourism.

Local Maori guides provide tales of tribal history and explain the medicinal purposes of plants on walking tours and offer close encounters with whales and gannets in various nature parks and reserves, which cover one-third of New Zealand.

Gannet Safari’s three-hour trip takes visitors through riverbeds, pastures, native bush, geological formations to reach the largest and most accessible mainland nesting place of gannets in the world at Cape Kidnappers.

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Maori marae integral to New Zealand tourism

0 Comments read Indigenous, Travel

By Neena Bhandari

Hawke’s Bay, 04.07.2005 (IPS): Atop the Te Mata peak, in freezing 6C weather, visitors to New Zealand are treated to a traditional Powhiri or Maori welcome ceremony.

The traditions and protocol of the Powhiri, which means venturing into the unknown and sharing information and knowledge, provide an insight into the unique and spiritual world of New Zealand’s indigenous people.

“The welcome ceremony is very important for us as it is the protocol for establishing a new relationship and renewing relationship with all the five senses – sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste,” says Lilian Hetet-Owen of Maori Treasures, near Wellington.

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The Phases of Polio – Past, Present and Future

0 Comments read Disability, Health & Science, Poliomyelitis

By Neena Bhandari

Canberra, 15.12.2004 (IPS): As developing countries move closer to polio eradication, the developed world is battling with ageing polio survivors experiencing post polio syndrome (PPS).

Many of the 40,000 Australians, who survived the polio epidemics of the twentieth century, are facing the threat of new disabilities. While they initially recovered and made the most of life with disability, today they are battling with profound fatigue, increasing muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain, increased sensitivity to cold temperatures and sleeping, breathing or swallowing difficulties. These are all linked to the late-effects of polio or PPS.

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