Today turned out to be a gorgeous day.
We began with a briefing by the local GSE organizers who have made our adventures possible. We learned a bit about Maori protocols as well as what would be expected of us during our stay. Then, it was off to lunch on the waterfront at a wonderful restaurant that was built to hold two very large waka (canoes).
In the afternoon, we split up to go to our first vocational visits. I was able to go to the local polytech and meet with the director of professional development. I learned a lot about how the college is offering training programs that integrate literacy and numeracy into their courses as well as the framework that New Zealand uses for their tertiary education programs. It was a great base upon which to build during my future vocational visits.
After a quick trip home to change, we were off again to City Council Chambers for cocktails and canapes and our official Maori welcome. We were greeted by many Rotarians as well as the Mayor and the Minister of Education. It was also very nice to see Amanda Burgess from the team that came to Canada.
The Maori welcome was amazing. There were a series of songs and dances as well as a speech in Maori. After each speaker, another waiata was performed. We introduced ourselves and sang O Canada as our waiata. Then we were presented with our "survival backpacks", which included Tylenol, earplugs, a cap, and Marmite among other things. We were also presented with beautiful New Zealand green stone necklaces. At the end, we were invited up to learn the last dance that the Maori group performed and then we exchanged hongi (nose to nose greetings) with the performers.
It was truely and amazing and unforgettable experience.
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