A Little Background

Today was predominately lecture. Luckily the weather was a bit cold and rainy so it wasn't too tough being stuck inside all day.
Our lectures today centered around the biogeography and biodiversity of New Zealand. One of the species we discussed was the Kiwi (to the right). Kiwis are flightless birds, nocturnal, and have a heightened sense of smell. At the end of their beaks they have sensory organs and nostrils which help them locate invertebrates deep in the soil. Plus they are just so damn adorable!

We also learned about the Maori people, before Pakeha (non-maori people) came to New Zealand. The Maori have only been in New Zealand for about 1000 years. When they arrived in Aotearoa (land of the long white cloud) they found a densely forested land. Unfortunately they began deforestation for resources and clearing of the land.
So New Zealand, while still densely covered in bush, is nothing like it was before. One of the trees that New Zealand is losing is the Kauri. I saw a few of them on our hike through the Hunua Falls Mountain Range, but again they are few and far between and not nearly as tall as they once were. The trees stand really tall and straight and were used for ship masts. When we hiked through the Hunua Falls Mountain Range we had to clean off our boots, just to ensure we were carrying a parasite which is attacking the trees.

Later today we also learned our Maori song which we will sing after Jono makes his speech at the Marae. People sing after each speech to show support for the speaker and give to their mana (or honor/status). I'm so excited to go to the Marae tomorrow. We are going for a Powhiri (or welcome). I'll try and take pictures, but I'm not sure if it will be allowed. I'll definitely remember the experience and share it with y'all.