Here are a few pictures of our day on the marae. The powhiri was a pretty an amazing way to start the morning. Our host was the captain of their waka crew and so decided to welcome us by the canoes. I've included a photo of the detail on the back of the small waka that the younger kids train in. The larger waka holds up to 120 people who take turns with the paddles. The waka that we saw were used for fighting, rather than traveling.
waka detail
After the powhiri the men learned haka, which is used to challenge and intimidate visitors. Here are Umi, Juan Carlos, and Daniel practicing their haka.
While the men learned haka, the women learned to make poi. Poi are balls attached to a braid that were traditionally used to hunt birds but are now used in dancing. Here are Lynn (one of the librarians), Cindy, and Chantel making poi.
Here are all the women learning to twirl our poi. Like all good things, it was much harder than it looked.
Click here to view video of women performing beautifully with the poi.
A brilliant New Zealand moment: The first night we were here, Juan Carlos, Cindy, Chantel and I took a taxi into town for dinner. At the end of our meal, we asked our waiter to call the taxi for us to return home. After a couple minutes he returned to the table and said, "The taxi company isn't answering their phone. I'll try one more time and if I can't reach anyone I'll drive you home myself as long as you don't mind riding in the back of a truck." Now, you have to understand that the restaurant we were eating in was packed and there were only two people waiting tables, yet he was dead serious. Luckily for him, the taxi driver answered the second time he called and he was spared.
waka detail
After the powhiri the men learned haka, which is used to challenge and intimidate visitors. Here are Umi, Juan Carlos, and Daniel practicing their haka.
While the men learned haka, the women learned to make poi. Poi are balls attached to a braid that were traditionally used to hunt birds but are now used in dancing. Here are Lynn (one of the librarians), Cindy, and Chantel making poi.
Here are all the women learning to twirl our poi. Like all good things, it was much harder than it looked.
Click here to view video of women performing beautifully with the poi.
A brilliant New Zealand moment: The first night we were here, Juan Carlos, Cindy, Chantel and I took a taxi into town for dinner. At the end of our meal, we asked our waiter to call the taxi for us to return home. After a couple minutes he returned to the table and said, "The taxi company isn't answering their phone. I'll try one more time and if I can't reach anyone I'll drive you home myself as long as you don't mind riding in the back of a truck." Now, you have to understand that the restaurant we were eating in was packed and there were only two people waiting tables, yet he was dead serious. Luckily for him, the taxi driver answered the second time he called and he was spared.
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