Poi E, A Kiwi Classic

Each year, there are blogs that I include as a repeat for every class.  This is one of them because it helps give a feel for the culture we will encounter this summer:

In New Zealand, the Maori culture is deeply integrated within the Kiwi culture. Throughout New Zealand, you will find both English and Maori signs, and even the government run television here has a dedicated station just for Maori programming.  While there have been struggles between the Pakeha (non-Maori) and Maori (just as in the United States between whites and other ethnic groups such as Native Americans, and African Americans), and the Maori struggle to help their youth retain their culture, the Kiwis seem to have done a decent job of trying to be inclusive and promote the Maori culture throughout the country.  Poi-E is a classic Kiwi song that became a hit in the early 1980s. What is significant about this song, is that it is viewed as part of what helped kick start renewed interest for the Maori youth in their roots. In 2016, a movie was made about it as well.  Poi balls were originally used by men and women alike to strengthen wrist muscles for battle.  Today they are used by girls and women in traditional Maori performance dances.  I can show you how to make some if you like.

-Meryl

 

Of note, you might even be able to watch a movie that was made about the song in the last few years when you are on Air New Zealand - check out the New Zealand Choice section on your in flight screen to see if it is playing (we also recommend Boy, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, and What We Do In The Shadows to give a flavor for the New Zealand sense of humor).