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New Zealand: North Island – Animal Art in New Zealand
New Zealand art is influenced by the Maori culture. You can see the influence here by the swirl of this sculpture. Look at the small shapes – they’re all animals.
New Zealand: Cambridge – All Ages Gather to Sing in New Zealand
We were lucky enough to be invited to a Maori cultural group to mingle with women and children. We learned the craft of making instruments. And then we enjoyed singing along (with song sheets) with everyone from kids to their grandparents. All ages joined together to sing – and the kids knew all the words! People are wonderfully inviting all over the world.
New Zealand: Cambridge – Maori Neighborhood Gathering
Just like all over the world, people of similar backgrounds form social circles to keep their heritage intact. In Cambridge, NZ, we were invited to this Maori gathering to make our own poi balls. The balls are attached to long strings and swung rhythmically, one in each hand. Today, the women dancers perform the Maori poi. Men used it for strength and coordination and they were also used as a weapon during a battle. It is really hard to spin those balls. 
New Zealand: Hamilton Gardens – Traditional Maori Garden in New Zealand
In the Te Parapara Garden in Hamilton Gardens, NZ, traditional (to Maori) rare kuumara (sweet potato) varieties are planted on puke (mounds) in the summer and then harvested. 
New Zealand: Hamilton Gardens – Maori Garden
Here is the traditional entrance to the Te Parapara Garden in Hamilton Gardens, NZ. Notice the carved face sticking out his tongue. This is a gesture you would see in Maori dancing and is a method of intimidating invaders.
New Zealand: North Island – Memorial to Chief Tuhourangi
At the Tanihanga, the Maori passing ceremony, the chief’s canoe would be stood up and semi-buried in the ground. This would be the gratitude and homage paid to the great man, warrior and chief. More designs and carvings (kowhaiwhai) would be added to the already decorated canoe to show tribal connections. In this Pouwairua they honor chief Tuhourangi who once occupied the surrounding lands.
New Zealand: Rotorua – Cooking Corn in a Steam Ven
Our guide threw some sweet corn on the cob into Parekohuru, their largest mineral pool. Mother Nature then took care of the cooking. In 8 minutes, lunch is ready. How smart those Maori people were, to find such a terrific place to live.
New Zealand: Cambridge – Maori Hangi Meal, New Zealand
In the Maori tradition, Hangi, was the preparation of food traditionally wrapped in flax leaves and placed on hot stones at the bottom of a deep pit in the ground. It got it’s name as this earth oven was called a hangi. The food is covered with wet cloth and a mound of earth traps the heat from the stones around the food. The meal is left in the ground for 3-4 hours.
New Zealand: North Island – Thermal Geysers North Island of New Zealand
Thermal pits are common in the central area of the North Island of New Zealand. The Maori used them for cooking and bathing. How clever. 
New Zealand: Rotorua – We Join with the Maori People
Whakarewarewa, NZ, you can watch a Maori cultural performance. Afterwards, audience members can join the talented cast for a photo op.
