while we were in waitangi, we went to a ceremonial welcoming at the marae which is a maori meeting house. before i went, i really didn’t know much about the maori culture besides what i’ve seen around rotorua, which has a large concentration of natives. it was interesting to say the least and full of some really fun memories. like zach getting chosen to be our group’s chief (and giving a hilarious speech) or singing and clapping along to some maori songs. some of their traditions are very unusual but i’m glad i finally got to learn about and have a better understanding of this very different culture.