ROTORUA 3: MAORI CULTURE NON-AUTHENTIC BUT FUN

We dithered about whether or not it would be PC to go to a 'Maori Evening' but decided that it would be pretty stupid to come half way round the world and not go! After asking the owner of Cosy Cottage about the various trips on offer, we decided to go to Temaki: in business for 21 years, so they must be doing the right thing for punters like us. He warned us that it made no pretence at being fully authentic but gave a flavour of the real thing in an entertaining way, plus a good meal cooked traditional Hangi style.

The coach ride there was an experience in its own right, the same Maori lady teaching us key Maori phrases, explaining what we were going to see and do when we arrived, choosing the 'group leader', organising communal singing to represent the myriad of nationalities on board AND driving the bus!!

 Traditional greeting is a challenge like the Haka.  You must not smile or laugh at the tongue and eye rolling or show aggresion.  After a while the challengers will recognise you come with peaceful intentions and then invite you into the village with welcome songs, led by your chief.

The challenge ends when ' the Fat lady sings'.

The village is laid out as a series of displays of traditional crafts and customs with Maoris explaining what is going on at each stage. Later that night Sue wrote in her diary 'Temaki = tacky' with the village in mind, but that was on reflection a bit harsh. It's not in the same class as the Black Country Museum, but the intention is good. Unfortunately, while they could talk about the crafts on display, the actors didn't demonstrate them or really get into character.

 Inside a typical Maori home

 Demonstration of using the sticks laid out in the pattern of fishbones to practise moving between the fishbone sticks - they do this to enhance their agility and their ability to fight an opponent.

 The spear can be used to stab using the metal end,  wound and lever off the opponent's head - sharp wooden end....

Demonstration of making grass skirts - requires 1000s of bird feathers (traditionally kiwi feathers)

Used for food storage - above- ground to keep animals out.

Now to our food.  This was cooked underground using wood and stones to heat the food for 4 hours in a pit called a Hangi.  Once the food is cooked the pit is uncovered - first soil, then sack clothes and then the trays are lifted out.  We did note the genuine Maori silver cooking foil..... 

They cooked chicken, lamb, potatoes, sweet potatoes and carrotts.
After the food, which was very tasty, we enjoyed 30 minutes of song and dance entertainment.  Most of this was captured on video and will be available at a later date. 

After the Leaving Ceremony (which strangely included singing 'You are my sunshine', traditional Maori??) the drive home was as eventful as the drive there, including 6 circuits round a roundabout to the strains of 'She'll be coming round the mountain'.