Maori Treasures

03/12/2005 0 Comments read Gender, Indigenous, Travel

Reihana Parata Photo Credit: Neena Bhandari

By Neena Bhandari

Wellington, 03.12.2005 (The Australian): In the freezing cold, a mellifluous voice penetrates the stillness as we are treated to a traditional Powhiri or Maori welcome ceremony before being ushered into the Maori Treasures complex near Wellington.

Powhiri is the protocol for establishing a new relationship with all the five senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. The ceremony is completed with a Hongi or pressing of noses, which acknowledges sharing the same air and touching foreheads, signifying sharing the same knowledge. After this, from a visitor one becomes tangata whenua (people of the land).

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Maoris reap benefits of past conservation

30/08/2005 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

04/07/2005 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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