Kia Ora! (Maori for many things, including “hello”)
Last week, CCSP ventured to the north island across the (extremely rough) waters to study sustainable community development from the perspective of several different people in society. Wellington (aka “Windy Welly”) is the capital city of New Zealand with a population about that of Grand Rapids, so a relatively small capital city.
The first three nights were spent in a marae (“mar-eye”), a traditional Maori meeting house. In order to enter, we had to go through a powhiri (“po-furry”), or a greeting ceremony, where we gave speeches, sang a Maori song, gave a gift, and greeted everyone with a hongi (nose to nose, forehead to forehead greeting). The sleeping arrangements included mattresses lined down the room side by side, so it was quite a cozy three nights! Unfortunately, no photographs are allowed in the marae, but the carvings are impeccable!
While in Wellington, we visited Te Papa museum, including a very realistic World War I memorial. Later, we also visited parliament (“The Beehive”) to learn much about policy making in New Zealand followed by Naenae Boxing Academy where boxing champion Billy Graham talked to us about being in community and making a difference in the neighborhood. Our days included many other members of the community speaking on and doing various things to improve society. It was an eventful couple of days!
On our way out of the city, we stopped to visit a large, predator-proof reserve for some of New Zealand’s most endangered species. We spent a couple hours walking through the reserve, admiring the songs of the thousands of birds and the beauty in all the species present. New Zealand is quite a special place when it comes to its wildlife.
With the state this world is in, things are going to need to change and soon…and consuming less and living a more simple life may be the answer. It goes against all that modern society teaches, but maybe that is just what we need.
The city has been great, but nothing can top the crisp mountain air and fresh ocean breeze that comes from our home in Kaikoura. And, I can’t wait to put into practice and study more some of the things learned this week in Wellington. North island, it’s been a real treat.