Cultural Immersion

There is much we can learn from Te Ao Māori - The Māori world view. Students taking part in an ExpedNZ program will expand their perspectives and enrich their world view through unique and authentic culturally immersive New Zealand experiences.

Aotearoa - New Zealand

Nau Mai haere mai - Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand, a land of inspiration.

Māori are the tangata whenua (indigenous people of the land) of Aotearoa - New Zealand. Māori have a rich and dynamic culture with a powerful connection to the natural environment. Traditional Māori approaches to conservation, relationships, health (physical and mental health) will be examined and contrasted to modern ways of living.

During an ExpedNZ program students will have the opportunity to take part in a powhiri (traditional Māori welcome) onto a local Marae (meeting house) and learn about Te Ao Māori. Groups will learn tikanga (protocols) and Māori approaches to family, the environment and hauora (wellbeing).

ExpedNZ programs align with our New Zealand cultural programs for local rangatahi (youth). This provides a cultural learning exchange that is truly authentic, student led and where education magic happens.

Cultural Activities

Take part in facilitated discussions designed to compare and contrast life as a citizen in other parts of the world to that in New Zealand.
Kaitiakitanga focused activities - explore the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and the relationship Māori have with whenua (land) and the natural world.
Paddle waka (traditional canoes) whilst exploring sites of cultural significance.
Participate in a range of cultural workshops including rongoa (traditional Māori medicine), mau rakāu (weaponry), haka (dance) and learn waiata (song).