Wednesday – an evening with the tribe!

We were picked up by our Mitai Maori Village bus, and transported directly to the village, which is on the outskirts of Rotorua.

As we entered the family village we were sat at our table and talked through how the evening would unfold.  A chief was elected to represent the visitors (all 13 nations) and was instructed on leading his tribe to meet with the Mitai chief in the traditional village.  It sounded fantastic, and we couldn’t wait to get started! 

First stop was to the see the unveiling of the hangi, a traditional meal, cooked in a pit in the ground.  As they lifted it from the ground our eyes lit up – chicken, lamb, stuffing, potatoes and kumara, all of which we would be tucking into later!

We then walked through the natural bush setting to the fresh water stream where by torch light a warrior party in traditional dress paddled their waka (canoe) through the dell, whilst chanting.

Our chief then lead us to the traditional village, where we were met by the tribe, again all in traditional dress.  It was a beautiful setting, lit by torchlight and with the male members playing conch shells.

We chose the best seats, right at the front, not knowing what may happen later!  We watched as the pohiri (welcome ceremony) was performed; where a challenger with fierce gestures lays a peace token to the visitors chief.  To indicate peace the visiting chief has to pick up this token, otherwise, if it is left on the ground it is taken as a symbol of war.

Then as a dance of strength and vigor to welcome their visitors the men performed the haka, an overwhelming thing to watch from close quarters!

The Mitai chief then did a speech to welcome us (the visiting tribe), and the hongi (pressing of the noses) was performed with our chief.

He then led us through a cultural lesson on everything Maori, which was a fascinating thing to be part of.  We learnt about the origins of Maori; how they sailed from the Polynesian Islands 2000 years ago to inhabit NZ, and that there are 70 main tribal groups still living in NZ today.

We watched and listened as dance implements were explained and demonstrated, and how these are then incorporated into the famous poi dance.

We were then talked through the weaponry, and how it is used in war and the significance of the haka (war dance).  Translated ‘haka’ means “breath on fire” or “words of fire”, it was performed to scare the enemy and warn them about their impending doom!

We then had one more lesson before dinner, learning about the moko (tattoo) and learning some moves and chants from the haka – great fun!

The hangi meal was amazing, a real feast, which we all tucked into with no encouragement needed.

Our guided bush walk after dinner took us through the native bush and down to a glow worm dell, where we turned our torches off and watched as the surrounding banks were lit by these funny little creatures.

Back on the bus we reflected on what an amazing day we had had!