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 2 blog: MVMJ our final week in Aotearoa
On day 8 of our trip we set out on a 5-hour drive from Rotorua to Ōtaki, eager for the next chapter of our adventure. On our way we passed some amazing landscapes, one being the iconic Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere which was created by a volcanic eruption.
Once we arrived at Ōtaki, we headed straight to the Māoriland Hub, where we spent the afternoon connecting with the mob who would guide us through a film workshop. Māoriland is an inspiring creative hub that fosters social, economic, and cultural opportunities for Māori filmmakers and creative expression. It also hosts the popular annual Māoriland Film Festival, a showcase of Indigenous storytelling.
The next day, we got up early, energised for our full-day film workshop at Māoriland. We split into groups and brainstormed ideas for 5-minute short films, which we then pitched to the group. Once the concepts were locked in, we jumped straight into production. Each of us took on different roles, some became directors, others actors, camera operators, sound techs, or editors. The Māoriland team guided us through the process, teaching us how to operate the camera gear and bringing out our creative sides. It was an immersive and rewarding experience, allowing us to explore the world of filmmaking in a hands-on way. By the end of the day, we had our films ready to screen. Watching each group’s creation was such a fun and exciting way to celebrate our hard work. We shared laughs, moments of pride, and a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling. As an added bonus, our short films will be showcased at next year’s Māoriland Film Festival! Knowing that our work will be shared with a wider audience is an incredible honour. Not only did we gain new skills and experiences, but we can now proudly call ourselves filmmakers – time to add that to our resumes!!
On day 10 we started the day with a guided tour of Te Wānanga o Raukawa, a Māori tertiary campus in Ōtaki. Walking the grounds of the campus, we learned about the stunning traditional carvings and the ancestral stories they tell, as well as seeing all that the university has to offer the community. It’s pretty amazing to see a university dedicated to Māori education and something we would love to see back home.
Later, we drove to Masterton, our final stop for a few days as we entered the last leg of this incredible journey.
The next day started with a warm traditional welcome at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Wairarapa school, where we enjoyed morning tea and watched the students perform a few songs. Together with the school kids, we then headed to the cinema to watch Moana 2 in te reo Māori (Māori language).
In the afternoon, we learnt traditional Māori games, each carrying deep cultural significance. We also learnt that playing the games was done barefoot as a way to connect to mother earth. We all had a great time spending the day with the kids learning their traditional games and we even got to share some of our culture too, as we taught them some of our dances which the kids absolutely loved.
On day 12 We were invited to visit the ancestral homelands of one of our beloved MVMJ program leaders, Flic, as we drove 45-minutes out of Masterton.
Meeting Flics whānau (family), sharing kai (food), listening to their stories and engaging in activities like weaving made this a deeply personal and moving day. It was special for all of us to be taken to a place that is sacred to someone who has had a profound impact on all of us who are a part of the MVMJ family, who we love and care about so much. This was one of the most special days and we want to thank Flic and her whānau for welcoming us to their ancestral land and for making us feel so welcomed and loved. We love you all so much!
On our second last day we headed to Henley Lake, where we had the opportunity to learn more about wakas (canoes) by one of the waka instructors. This waka club was established in 2012 as a space for at risk youth to build connection. The club embodies more than just sport, it fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the land and waters. After a walk around the 1.5km lake, we learned paddling techniques before jumping into the waka (canoes) to paddle around the lake. This experience highlighted the importance of teamwork and cultural traditions.
Our final day began with a drive from Masterton to Wellington, where we spent the evening reflecting on our incredible journey. That night, we gathered for a final group dinner, reminiscing about the unforgettable memories and connections we had made along the way.
A highlight of the evening was being honoured with Pounamu (greenstone) necklaces, gifted to us by Rita and Ricky, our Kaiārahi (cultural hosts). One by one, we were called forward to receive our necklaces, each one carefully chosen to represent our individual journeys and traits.
The Poutama, symbolising the three baskets of knowledge and the seekers of knowledge. The Roimata, representing empathy, people and solidarity. And the Toki, symbolising strength and perseverance. Rita and Ricky had lovingly blessed each Pounamu in the Ruamahanga River before presenting them to us.
This thoughtful gesture made the moment even more special and we felt deeply grateful for such a meaningful farewell.
This journey has been a profound exploration of Māori culture, traditions and protocols. The people we have met along the way have become our whānau – family. Witnessing the way Māori culture and language are being passed down to the next generation has inspired us and ignited a fire within all of us.
As we return home, we carry with us a renewed sense of purpose – to be strong leaders in our own communities, ensuring that our culture remains alive, thriving and strong for our families and the generations to come.
This trip has left an indelible mark on our hearts, a true journey of a lifetime.
Kia ora Aotearoa, for the lessons, the beautiful connections and the love.
