Blog 9: Cultural Insights

●     Dive deeper into the cultural aspects of the host country. Share interesting customs, traditions, and any cultural shocks you've experienced.

●     Discuss how your understanding of the culture has evolved over time.

New Zealand culture has a strong Māori influence. There are about 16% of the population that identify as Māori but the government has set regulations to have their language and customs more prevelant throughout the country. Schools have posters in both languages and use Māori terms for the titles of activities and buildings. Public signs are to have both the Māori and the English words as well. I look forward to seeing more about the Māori culture while I am in Rotarua. There is a tourist attraction led by the Tamiki brothers where you get to experience Hāngī, food cooked underground with hot rocks. Outside of the Māori culture, Kiwi's are laid back in some settings, but as an individual seem to be more planners who want to know every detail. They are heavy drinkers and wine is common at meals. Most people are also very into rugby, both the All Blacks and the Warriors. My favorite part of their culture is how open and welcoming everyone seems to be, to the point I got in people's vehicles after meeting them a half hour before. Terrifying, but I lived, so I guess it was worth it.

One of the biggest culture shocks I experienced was when I went into Auckland for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. I went with a teacher I had met, her daughter, husband, their friend, and his two daughters. When we were walking around the parents were in front leading the way and the children were just walking behind and wandering looking at shops as we went. The daughters ranged from 6-12 years old. This was a shock because they felt safe enough to not have them constantly in their sight. They also would leave their wallets on the table when we walked away to go up to order stuff. I was shocked that even in the big city they feel so safe and secure.

The only tradition I have learned about that is common among all Kiwis is fish and chips on the beach. The couple I am staying with do fish and chips each Friday, but sometimes at home, and sometimes they cook it themselves. My first week here Marilyn and I got fish and chips from a shop down the road and drove to the beach around the corner. We ate it straight out of the paper on the sand. The tide was out and it wasn't actually that pretty but she said that was a true kiwi experience. After going to school the next Monday, all the teacher aides agreed.

My understanding of the culture has changed our time as I have gotten used to being here. Between more experience and hearing others talk about different aspects I have been able to connect to the culture better. I've gotten used to the words they use, items costing the amount their listed at, not tipping, and people being barefoot in public, some of the lesson culture shocks I knew to expect. I have been able to adapt to be respectful but haven't really changed much of my own mannerisms. Even though the Māori culture is more prevelant across the country, there haven't been any times yet that I have had to be aware and conscious of what I was doing. This may happen more when I go into the touristy towns that incorporate the Māori traditions.