Poi E, A Kiwi Classic

In New Zealand, the Maori culture is deeply integrated within the Kiwi culture. Throughout New Zealand, you will find both English and Maori signs, and even the government run television here has a dedicated station just for Maori programming.  While there have been struggles between the Pakeha (non-Maori) and Maori (just as in the United States between whites and other ethnic groups such as Native Americans, and African Americans), and the Maori struggle to help their youth retain their culture, the Kiwis seem to have done a decent job of trying to be inclusive and promote the Maori culture throughout the country.  Poi-E is a classic Kiwi song that became a hit in the early 1980s. What is significant about this song, is that it is viewed as part of what helped kick start renewed interest for the Maori youth in their roots. In 2016, a movie was made about it as well.  Poi balls were originally used by men and women alike to strengthen wrist muscles for battle.  Today they are used by girls and women in traditional Maori performance dances.  I can show you how to make some if you like.

-Meryl

Almost Time!

Hi All!  Excited that it is almost time to go to New Zealand for our Summer/Winter adventures!  Happy packing!  Here is our kiwisforthesummer2018 class...

The Spirit of New Zealand Captured In Three Minutes: Mr. Frosty and the BMX Kid

Written and directed by Tim McLachlan from New Zealand. Mr Frosty and the BMX Kid was a finalist in the 2010 Your Big Break competition – a global search for the next great filmmaker. Their task was to capture the spirit of New Zealand in a 3 minute short film. Judged by Peter Jackson and produced by Barrie Osborne. I love this short film that really captures the spirit of New Zealand.  Of course, it will be cold when we are in New Zealand this summer; however, the Tip Top ice cream will still be good as! - Meryl : )

It is probably going to be cold...

Did you know that Christchurch is the staging ground/departure point for many expeditions to Antarctica?  Another good reason to bring warm layers!  It really is surprisingly close as the map above shows, and the southerlies always smell like ice to me as the winds come up from the roaring 40s.  Seriously, bring warm layers and be prepared for rapid changes in weather.  We have experience temperature fluctuations of up to 30 degrees in as little as 15 minutes.  We have had warm, sunny days in the upper 50s, and then really, really cold ones in the low 30s with lots of rain, and rain, and rain.  Did we mention rain?! Snow is never ruled out either.  Be prepared for almost anything. Wind and water proof layers are essential, and, as I mentioned at our first meeting, I am a fan of warm, dry socks.  Warm hands, head, and neck are always good too.  Can you tell I am a Florida girl?  Most days will average in the upper 30s to mid 40s and most nights will be teens to 30s. A typical outfit for me will be wool socks with running shoes or hiking boots, jeans, camisole, long sleeve t shirt, short sleeve t shirt, lightweight cotton hoodie, down vest, gloves, hat, and scarf.  I can easily add a wind/water proof layer (or two, or three) to this, or shed some layers as needed.  Check your packing list and feel free to talk with Mark or me if you have questions.
-Meryl : )

What is a kiwi?

From the official New Zealand Web site...
The kiwi, New Zealand's national emblem, is a flightless bird with hair-like feathers and a long, slender bill which it uses to pull worms and insects out of the ground. Found only in New Zealand, it is active at night in the wilderness areas of the country. New Zealanders often refer to themselves as kiwis, and the term is also used as a short form for the famous kiwifruit (Chinese gooseberry). On the stock exchange, the New Zealand Dollar is also referred to as "the kiwi".
-Meryl