A visit to the very green and beautiful New Zealand isn't complete without having contact with authentic Maori culture. There's no better place to experience this than in the geothermal wonderland of Rotorua on the North Island. We started our special day with a few hours at Te Puhia and chose a guided tour to experience the 30 metre Pohutu geyser that was erupting constantly while we were there. We witnessed the usual geothermal activities such as hot springs, mud pools, silica terraces and much more and the tour finished at the marae. Here we learned that before we were allowed on the marae a chief from amongst the group had to be chosen and then the traditional welcoming powhiri with the warrior's challenge took place. From a distance it looked very serious, passionate and challenging.

That evening I experienced it all first hand. We chose the Mitai Maori Village for the evening's entertainment and what a night it turned out to be. The Mitai village is set in 12 acres of prime bush setting with a small stream running through it. The land is owned by the Mitai tribe and all the workers are members of the tribe. After being picked up by the village bus, we were welcomed in the dining hall by a most amazing man who we later found out was called the most un-Maori name - John. John asked what nations we came from and then welcomed each visitor in their native tongue. On this night their were 12 different nationalities and he had a short conversation with each of them. We later learned that he had learned the basics of 60 languages over 7 years.

John asked for volunteers to be the chief of the visitors and much to my partner's dismay my hand rose. After he thanked me, I was also informed that I would be expected to make a speech on behalf of the visitors "The People of the Four Winds". As I was chief I got a few special privileges such as being the first to go everywhere and the first place we went was out in the rain to see the hangi cooking. Hangis are steamed in the ground using hot stones and wet leaves. Next up was the stream where we were treated to a display of Maori warriors in full battle dress paddling the waka (war canoe) up and down the stream while in full battle cry.

Next we were taken to the hall where the cultural performance was to take place and myself and the chieftainess were given seats front and centre for the performance. But first we had to have the challenge so up on stage I went and waited. The stage was dark with the only light coming from a fire. Maori villagers were sitting around in full traditional dress and then the Mitai chief appeared. Very large, naked except for a lion cloth, naked buttocks tattooed from the waist to just above the knee, the facial moko (tattoo) prominent, spear in hand being waved threateningly and talking passionately in Maori. I will admit I was being assisted with the finer points of what I was supposed to say and do by our host John, but who could concentrate with the chief bearing down on me in all his glory, tongue being poked, spear flashing.

When the time came I think I said "Kia Ora Great Chief, on behalf of the chieftainess, on behalf of the people of the Four Winds, I thank the chief for welcoming us to the marae, I thank him for sharing with us his culture, I thank him for sharing with us his village and finally I thank him for sharing his hangi." We then shook hands and after the traditional hongi (rubbing of the noses) I departed the stage.

We were then treated to fierce displays of weaponry and combat and also the grace and beauty of the poi dance. The performance finale was the traditional haka and when you are sitting in the front row it is a spectacle to behold. The evening finished with the hangi meal and a couple of glasses of wine. It really was a night to remember at the Mitai Maori Village.

Article supplied by Ezine Platinum Author Bob Lord

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