Maori Culture & Conservation Program

  New Zealand

• Wellington: 
Wellington

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Jan 28, 2008. Please contact GeoVisions for July 2008 dates.

Description: Here is your chance to truly experience "The Land of the Long White Cloud" in every way- through its people, culture and land. New Zealand has a rich history of over a thousand years of human settlement with Maori, Pacific, Asian and European cultures all coming together is this truly unique place. It's a culture that celebrates this diversity and uses it as its greatest strength.

The land of New Zealand is as diverse as it's people. It is a country that ranges from spectacular alpine glaciers and massive mountain ranges to rolling green farmland and sandy beaches. New Zealand has mild temperatures, high rainfall and lots of sunshine. One of the greatest advantages of New Zealand is that all of these different landscapes, environments and ecosystems are so close to each other. It is easy to understand why this amazing land was used as the backdrop of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.         

The Maori Culture program is a chance for you to learn in-depth about the fascinating indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori. You will also be able to volunteer in various conservation projects. The program starts with a two-week course on Maori culture at the Wellington Business School.   It includes among other things, trips to places of interest as well as a lesson in the Maori language. The course takes 22 hours of trips and classes finish with two full days and one night on a Marae, which is a Maori meeting place.

After finishing the Maori course, you will be able to choose a volunteer project. You may choose between environmental/forest and animal/wildlife conservation. You can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of eight weeks.

Highlights: The Maori culture course includes: lesson in the Maori language; trip to the beach; lesson in jewelry making; trip out on Waka canoes; history talks; learn songs, the haka war dance, learn flax weaking; visit to the Kohanga Reo, the Te Papa the NZ National museum, and trip to Somes Island; help prepare hangi (traditional way of cooking) for evening meal; lesson in Maori protocol; finish with a certificate ceremony and shared meal with tutors and host families and performance by students.

Cost in US$: 1830 for 4 weeks. Please visit our website for additional information.

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to New Zealand Independently Or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Alumni Network

GeoVisions's Mission Statement: GeoVisions is committed to help individuals develop global skills to succeed in the twenty-first century. These skills will ultimately lead to greater cooperation and understanding among nations and peoples of the world. We are committed to treating every person on a GeoVisions program with respect, and devoting our energies to helping participants meet their individual and collective goals.

Year Founded: 2001