This weekend, I spent the night at Waipapa Marae. While I was there, I got to meet about 30 other international students from all different countries and also met a wonderful crew of Maori students who helped organize and facilitate the event.
We arrived at the marae Saturday morning. To begin our experience, two of the students performed the pohiri or welcoming call so that us outsiders would be allowed onto the marae. Next we were invited into the wharenui or big house. Before entering, it is customary to remove your shoes.
After some opening greetings, including the hongi or touching of noses, and morning tea, we heard from Professor Tiopira McDowell who guided us through the wharenui (big house) and helped explain the meaning of many of the carvings. The name of the wharenui is Tane-nui-a-rangi after the ancestor who created humanity and who brought the three baskets or kete of knowledge. Because of this, Tane-nui-a-rangi is carved into the top of the house. This figure was chosen, Prof. McDowell explained, because this house was supposed to be a place for many tribes of Maori people, not just a single tribe. Therefore, it was important to pick an atua (god or deity) that all tribes could identify with. In addition, Tane-nui-a-rangi brought knowledge to the human realm so he was also a great atua to symbolize a university.
Inside the whare, Prof. McDowell explained that the carvings along the top beam were the major gods of Maori and the carvings along the walls were the principal ancestors of various Maori tribes, both of which are purposefully placed above the humans, us, walking on the main floor of the whare. Throughout the house, there are many intricate carvings and small details which tell a story, if you look closely enough. Before Maori developed a written language, carvings like these were one of the ways that stories could be recorded, and so the littlest details mean a lot. While the professor led us through the house, we were able to jump in with any questions we had, and I almost felt like I was back in a McBride classroom. He also shared his thoughts on the Treaty of Waitangi, which is one of the primary documents used in Maori-Pakeha relations.
Then our Maori peers each took a minute to explain which ancestors they were related to and told us their stories. It was so incredible to hear them speak about their rich history. Seeing how each person was able to connect to the ancestors on the walls made the culture seem much more real and alive, and not just some ancient thing.
After learning about Maori history, the rest of the day was spent playing games, learning Maori songs and dances, including the kapa haka, and learning a bit of the Maori language. We even performed a few skits which I’m sure would have made my McBride profs proud. It was inspiring to see students who were so passionate about their culture and so great to be among other international students who were so eager and willing to engage with Maori culture.
We talked for several hours after dinner and then got to sleep in the marae. The next morning, we concluded the experience by sharing our favorite moments and giving thanks to the people that made the event possible. Probably my favorite part was hearing the Maori students speak about their legends and stories, but also hearing them sing to us in the last few minutes. They all had such beautiful voices and was a perfect end to such a special experience.
I am beyond thankful for the students and staff who made me feel so at home and so welcomed in this space. They were so generous, open and warm that it felt like we were a big family by the end of the weekend. Their energy and enthusiasm made my entire time so enjoyable. The other international students were also just a joy to be around. Overall, it was such a rich and eye-opening experience to learn about Maori culture and to talk with many other students from around the world about their cultures too.