I caught the bus in downtown Rotorua. Others had gotten on at their lodgings in the surrounding area. Off we went to the village of "Te Tawa Ngahere Pa." Our driver educated us about the customs and protocol of the pre-European Maori and entertained us with stories on the ride there. A fellow rider was chosen as our "chief" to represent us in the traditional ceremonies.

When we arrived, the sun was going down. We and the groups from five or six other buses waited in a large clearing at the Marae. In the distance we could hear them coming. They appeared out of the encroaching darkness and the Wero (challenge), the Karanga (call), speeches and Hongi (greeting) were performed. Our "chiefs" were scrutinized then determined to be acceptable and we were welcomed. The chiefs pressed noses to share the breath of life. It symbolizes moving together as one person.

We wandered into the village where Maori guides dressed in traditional costumes re-enacted weaponry handling, flute playing, carving, etc. We were escorted into the whare where games that taught weapons handling, a haka, and traditional concert were performed. The haka is a fierce posture dance that would do a good job scaring an enemy off. The warriors open their eyes very wide, roll their eyes around and stick out their tongues. The message is "You look good enough to eat!" The concert's songs were lovely. Similar songs can be found on the samples of Maori Songs of New Zealand.

After the concert, we went into a large dining room for the hangi (feast). The food is prepared the traditional Maori way on hot stones in an authentic wooden oven. After the feast, we could visit the Tribal Arts and Crafts Marketplace which offers a large selection of hand-crafted Maori wood, bone and greenstone carving, flax weaving, paua shell jewelry, foods, natural medicines, tribal designer label clothing, books, and more.

Tamaki Living Maori Village Experience tour includes:

• Pick up from accommodation,

• Tour coach with commentary on route,

• Maori guide to instruct you on protocol,

• Traditional concert,

• Traditional Hangi (meal),

• Transportation back to accommodation.

Learn More about the Maori in Kerikeri

KIA ORA!
(Maori greeting meaning Be Well, Be Healthy)

all photos by Julie Register

Maori Symbols

Silver Fern Frond Hei Matau (fish hook) made from cow bone. Symbolizes provision & prosperity. Koru (fern frond) made from cow bone. Symbolizes new growth, new life, peace & tranquility. Hei Matau made from NZ jade Path of Life / Eternity made from NZ jade Hei Matau with Koru made from cow bone

According to Matthew Eru Wepa, author of Symbols of the Maori World, traditionally it took months to carve a pendant. When it was given as a gift, it was a great honor because the spirit of the carver was in the pendant. A pendant would be given to a parent to be worn next to the skin. When the parent passed on, the pendant was taken by the child to be held as a source of comfort.

Maori Concert

Maori Woman with Traditional Moko (tatoo) on Lips and Chin

Maori Man Playing a Bone Flute

Finale of the Haka

Maori Man Singing

Maori Woman Performing