FRIDAY 18 MARCH - Onwards to Rotorua and Hamilton
On departing from Taupo I checked the map and found that I had just enough time to take the scenic route north to my next destination, Hamilton. This allowed me time for a brief visit to the thermal springs at the Maori site of Te Puia at Rotorua. This is the premier Māori cultural centre in New Zealand - a place of gushing waters, steaming vents, boiling mud pools and spectacular geysers. The traditional Maori warrior greeting is an experience not to be missed or to be taken lightly.
It is an essential element of the journey for any visitor to New Zealand to gain some understanding of the complexities and traditions of Maori culture. It is so strongly woven into the social structure of the country and it is impossible not to be impressed by the high degree of integration between the indigenous and the migrant cultures throughout the country. A powerful example to other parts of the world.
Location:Hamilton
posted by Andrew Larpent @ Saturday, March 19, 2011
1 Comments
1 Comments:
Great photos and the sentiments are most appreciated. We have a vastly interesting history given that we must have been about the last part of the colonies to be established and are so far from 'Mother England', and that we [Pakeha] have such a highly integrated treaty arrangement for being here.
I can recommend Maurice Shadboult novels such as the "Season of the Jew" and "Monday's Warriors" as an interesting way to experience some NZ cultural history.
Next time you watch the haka being performed by the All Blacks you will have a better understanding of what it means to many New Zealanders.
Too bad you had to become a Blues supporter though ;-)
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