By Sarah Wood, 2nd year MDP student
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| Rainbow in Waitangi |
Waipareira is a fast-paced, high energy organization,
so it’s not surprising to me how quickly the second half of my time with
Waipareira went by. It was an absolute pleasure to spend these last three
months here.
In addition to continuing my work on the literature review and other research activities, in the second half of my placement, Paige and I had the opportunity, thanks to some of our generous hosts at Waipareira, to travel throughout northern New Zealand. Being based in Auckland for most of the placement, it was wonderful to see some rural areas including Hokianga, Waitangi (where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed), Opononi, and the Waipoua Forest (home of Tane Mahuta pictured below). We had the privilege of hearing about each of these culturally significant and sacred areas from amazing people who call this area home.
In addition to continuing my work on the literature review and other research activities, in the second half of my placement, Paige and I had the opportunity, thanks to some of our generous hosts at Waipareira, to travel throughout northern New Zealand. Being based in Auckland for most of the placement, it was wonderful to see some rural areas including Hokianga, Waitangi (where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed), Opononi, and the Waipoua Forest (home of Tane Mahuta pictured below). We had the privilege of hearing about each of these culturally significant and sacred areas from amazing people who call this area home.
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| Tane Mahuta and me (if you look really closely) for scale |
There was no shortage of opportunities to expand by
knowledge of the innovative ways Maori have and continue to challenge the
impact of colonialism. A key component of Waipareira is the use of te reo Maori
(Maori language) and it was amazing to witness speakers of all levels utilizing
the language on a daily basis. If you read about Indigenous language
revitalization, you will most likely come across information about Maori
language nests (immersion for young children). This in mind, it was humbling to
work alongside both parents who were instrumental in establishing the first of
these nests for their children as well as fluent speakers who were the first
generation to attend. It was amazing to witness the pride taken in using and
preserving te reo Maori for future generations and this experience has inspired
me to continue working on Anishinaabemowin.
I am so grateful for this amazing learning experience and for our Waipareira whanau, and I hope to return to Aotearoa soon!
I am so grateful for this amazing learning experience and for our Waipareira whanau, and I hope to return to Aotearoa soon!
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| Auckland from the top of the Sky Tower on my last day |
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