It is obvious that the only people we really met whilst in New Zealand were those involved in the tourist industry, and let’s face it, it’s their job to be nice to you. Be that as it may everyone we came into contact with were truly friendly and seemed to be genuinely happy with their lot.
What impressed us the most about New Zealand, other than the most beautiful and stunning scenery, was how clean it was, the cities, the towns, the tourist attractions, the rivers, and the harbours. The water is crystal clear with no sign of contamination, and then we come back into Sydney Harbour, look over the side, and there floating in our harbour is rubbish. Welcome home.
The Maori people that we met were the most welcoming and gentle people one could wish to meet, they went from being quite fierce during the Haka, to melting your hearts with their smiles 30 seconds later. The Maori are a people who are truly proud of their heritage, they have a lovely language, beautiful legends, our visit to the Tamaki Village was the highlight of our trip, I came away with goosebumps.
It seems almost impossible to believe that until the 1950s the Maoris were not able to speak their language nor enjoy their own culture, all that changed when the first Maori was elected to the New Zealand parliament. New Zealand is a better place thanks to that man.
Our own Aborigines could learn a lesson from the Maori who have taken their culture and gifted it to the world, they are a proud and gentle people. In all my years living in the country of my birth I am yet to meet an Aborigine who displayed the same sense of pride in their culture.
The Australian government could learn a lesson from across the “ditch” as well, there is zero unemployment in Auckland, and the statistics are very low in the rest of the country as they seek off shore workers due to a labour shortage.
If Brian and I could relocate our family to New Zealand we would.
Filed under: My view of the world Tagged: Graham Mitchell, Life, Maori, New Zealand, tourist attractions
