Challenges, Biodiversity Presentations, Kiwiana, and Whina Cooper June 30

We started out the day with team building and challenges for the class (and Nico has arrived!). From the Gordian knot to the River of Hot Chocolate, the class did really well. It was a cold morning 9 degrees Celsius but folks warmed up pretty quickly - jamming to classic rock and soul.

Gordian knot

River of Hot Chocolate

Planning about getting across the river

Traffic Jam - (they got this fast!)

After lunch, the class was introduced to biodiversity conservation in New Zealand. Through a series of presentations, the class was introduced to conservation options in New Zealand and steps to design, construct, and manage conservation developments. After Dr. Hostetler's presentations, the class was introduced to Kiwiana (Marmite/Vegemite; LP soda; honeydew honey; Vita-Weat crackers; and Pavlova!).   Now is Pavlova a New Zealand or Australian invention? We also got a chance to watch New Zealand taskmaster just before dinner. (what can I say - kiwi humor).

L&P soda!

Making fresh cream for Pavlova

Pavlova

In the evening - we got to see a remarkable movie about Dame Whina Cooper - who led a significant march in the 70s to bring attention about land being taken away by the government. 

And this Oscar goes to ...

Lumiere Cinema

Lobby to Lumiere

Good night all - see you in the morning! Dr. H

Poi E, A Kiwi Classic

Each year, there are blogs that I include as a repeat for every class.  This is one of them because it helps give a feel for the culture we will encounter this summer: 

In New Zealand, the Māori culture is deeply integrated within the Kiwi culture. Throughout New Zealand, you will find both English and Māori signs, and even the government run television here has a dedicated station just for Māori programming.  While there have been struggles between the Pākehā (a Māori-language term for New Zealanders primarily of European descent) and Māori (just as in the United States we have our own cultural struggles), and the Māori 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 Māori 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 Māori 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 Māori performance dances.  I can show you how to make some if you like. -Meryl

Of note, you might even be able to watch a movie that was made about the song in the last few years when you are on Air New Zealand - check out the New Zealand Choice section on your in flight screen to see if it is playing (we also recommend Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and What We Do In The Shadows to give a flavor for the New Zealand sense of humor).