The Moment I got here We were met by the Maori, a culture of Polynesian decent.
They Greeted us with a traditional ceremony the
Pohiri. The Pohiri (powhiri in some places) is the traditional Maori welcome
ceremony which takes place usually when going onto a marae (meeting hall). The purpose of the pohiri is to remove the tapu (Sacredness, as in one can’t work or celebrate) of the Manuhiri (visitors) to make them one with the Tangata Whenua (Home people).
Pohiri. The Pohiri (powhiri in some places) is the traditional Maori welcome
ceremony which takes place usually when going onto a marae (meeting hall). The purpose of the pohiri is to remove the tapu (Sacredness, as in one can’t work or celebrate) of the Manuhiri (visitors) to make them one with the Tangata Whenua (Home people).
Before we entered the Church they sang a song of welcome and the men
went first as a sign of honor to the women. Men always put them selves
in danger to protect woman so they always go first. The
local leader or elder, Uncle Tuki (Everyone is called an Uncle or Aunt
if they are not related to you, very family oriented culture), met us
and Honored us with Words of welcome in their language, ki a ratou kua tae mai nei ki tenei whenua – to those who came to this land.
Then the Elders and locals greeted us in a song from the Maori. It was
very Humbling. Never have I been Honored like this before. Their is a
tradition were the land is Sacred, I believe its called Tupuna,
and a greeting has to be given and then a feast must be held so that
the Sacredness can be Broken and we can do things like Work and
Celebrate in their land.
went first as a sign of honor to the women. Men always put them selves
in danger to protect woman so they always go first. The
local leader or elder, Uncle Tuki (Everyone is called an Uncle or Aunt
if they are not related to you, very family oriented culture), met us
and Honored us with Words of welcome in their language, ki a ratou kua tae mai nei ki tenei whenua – to those who came to this land.
Then the Elders and locals greeted us in a song from the Maori. It was
very Humbling. Never have I been Honored like this before. Their is a
tradition were the land is Sacred, I believe its called Tupuna,
and a greeting has to be given and then a feast must be held so that
the Sacredness can be Broken and we can do things like Work and
Celebrate in their land.
Our First task in New Zealand was to Work at a Summer Camp, While some
of our group are Tramping (Living an extended period of time in the
wilderness) throughout New Zealand. The First few days were filled with
Leader Training, Counselors are called leaders in New Zealand, which is
cool, because its easier to follow a leader then a person who only
gives suggestions on how to live. My Co-Leader, Mac, is a cool guy has
has done several Camps already. All of our Co-leaders were teenagers
except for a few 20 year olds. New Zealanders or Kiwis as they like to
be called are very laid back. They, like the English, have a morning
and afternoon Tea with Biscuits (cookies).
of our group are Tramping (Living an extended period of time in the
wilderness) throughout New Zealand. The First few days were filled with
Leader Training, Counselors are called leaders in New Zealand, which is
cool, because its easier to follow a leader then a person who only
gives suggestions on how to live. My Co-Leader, Mac, is a cool guy has
has done several Camps already. All of our Co-leaders were teenagers
except for a few 20 year olds. New Zealanders or Kiwis as they like to
be called are very laid back. They, like the English, have a morning
and afternoon Tea with Biscuits (cookies).
Well in a Day or two I’ll blog about my wonderful experience with my
Kids God privileged me with overseeing during their Summer Camp
Experience. God Bless you all.
Oh Yeah I almost Forgot Happy Birthday David =) I turned 34 in New Zealand!!! How Awesome is that to Have my Birthday in such an Awesome country. =) Praise God!
