Our original pilot journey participants reconnected for a two week cultural exchange in New Zealand in November. Lowanna Grant, Executive Producer of NITV Radio, joined us to document our journey.
Week 1 Blog: MVMJ heads to Aotearoa
Our trip began bright and early with a 3am wake-up call and a 7am flight from Sydney, setting the stage for what would become an unforgettable journey across the ditch. After landing at Auckland International Airport, we were met by our wonderful Kaiarataki (cultural hosts) Rickylee Russell-Waipuka and Rita-Lee Peihopa, for the 14-day trip in Aotearoa.
We drove six hours north, taking in the breathtaking landscapes before arriving at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tututarakihi school in Kaitaia, which would be our home for the next three days. There, we were welcomed with a traditional welcome ceremony by the staff, students and their families, an honour and a very special moment that immediately set the tone for our trip, something none of us will ever forget. We were also given an opportunity to introduces ourselves and show our appreciation by sharing some of our culture as MVMJ mentor Albert Murray shared some of our language and songs.
Our second day immersed us in the beauty and significance of Aotearoa’s northernmost landscapes. We started at Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē (90 Mile Beach), a stretch of stunning coastline abundant with pipis. The day continued with a visit to Hukatere lookout.
Next, we journeyed to Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga), a place of immense cultural and spiritual significance to the Māori people. This sacred site is believed to be the departure point where spirits begin their final journey to Hawaiki, the ancestral homeland. We also took in the view at the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse, standing where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet.
This was followed by an afternoon of cultural activities. A local elder taught some of us how to make traditional Māori medicine, sharing wisdom passed down through generations. While others of us enjoyed a game of touch football with the locals, bonding and strengthening connections through our love of sport.
On day three a few of us headed over to the local radio station, Te Hiku, to be interviewed live on air by radio host Joel, who yarned to us about our experience so far and what we have learned about the Māori culture. We also had the opportunity to introduce ourselves and shared some of our language and culture too.
After this we headed to Aurere, where we experienced another traditional welcome and met Opo Harrison. He introduced us to the teachings and legacy of the late Hec Busby, a celebrated navigator and waka (canoe) builder who revived the art of Polynesian ocean voyaging. We were privileged to learn about waka steering techniques, as well as directional signals in Māori language. Some of us even got to try paddling, being instructed by Opo, which was a fun experience.
Later, we met Beau Kamariera, a 16-year-old celestial navigation student preparing for his first overseas voyage from Tauranga to Samoa next year. His passion and knowledge of the star compass were truly inspiring to all of us, reminding us of the profound connections between land, sea and sky in Māori culture.
The day ended with a moving farewell ceremony back at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Tututarakihi school which had been our home away from home for the first three nights of our trip. The farewell featured traditional dances and songs by the students as well as their families, and we were treated to a hāngī, the Māori traditional way of cooking food. This evening was particularly special for all of us, as we got to share both cultures and celebrate a beautiful exchange that bridged our two worlds and brought us all together.
The next morning, we were sad to say goodbye to our new whanau (family), our stay here was truly special and the bonds and connections we made with all the kids and their families will stay with us forever. After a farewell pray and lots of cuddles, we said goodbye to Kaitaia and embarked on a six-hour journey to Rotorua, our next destination and home for the following four days.
In Rotorua, we were joined by guest speaker Raniera Rewiri, host of the popular podcast Planting Seeds. Raniera shared his personal journey of healing and growth, weaving lessons on health, wellbeing and self-discovery into his talk. His words resonated deeply, leaving a lasting impression on our group, with some of us also sharing some of our own personal experiences.
Later we visited Rotorua Girls’ High School for a cultural workshop. The staff and students introduced us to Matariki, the Māori New Year, marked by the rise of the Pleiades star cluster. This workshop deepened our understanding of how the Māori honour their ancestors and celebrate life.
The afternoon concluded with a dance workshop in the school’s dance studio, where we learned contemporary Māori dance. The rhythm and movement brought a modern twist to cultural expression, that all of us had fun learning. We also performed a few of our own traditional dances led by Albert, another way to show our appreciation and to share our culture.
Our sixth day in Aotearoa was a celebration of Māori culture in its most vibrant and inspiring forms. From the joy of watching young performers keep cultural traditions alive to an unforgettable evening of food and cultural festivities.
We began the day at the Te Arawa Primary School Regional Kapa Haka Competition, a spectacular showcase of cultural pride and tradition. Schools from across the region came together, filling the stage with energy, as they shared their cultural dance and songs.
In the evening we went to Te Pa Tū, a four-hour cultural experience. After boarding a bus to the village, we were greeted with a traditional welcome and haka, setting the tone for an immersive evening of learning and celebration. Once inside the village, we had the chance to participate in traditional activities, including games and dancing, the atmosphere was made even more special with traditional yummy canapés, offering us a taste of authentic Māori flavours. We were also treated to a few performances, before the evening ended with an unforgettable three-course feast of Māori fusion dishes.
This journey has been more than just a trip, it’s been a profound exchange of culture, stories, customs and traditions. Every moment has strengthened our connection to the Māori people and their rich heritage.
