Easter has just passed and we are officially on mid-semester break here at the University of Otago!
While the majority of international students leave for their South island road trips and vacations to Thailand and Fiji, I’ll be staying here in Dunedin! I know, that must sound quite boring, BUT my cousin from the Cook Islands has come to visit for the break. I haven’t seen this cousin in over five years. I guess the beauty of living in Aotearoa is that I get to spend time with my fathers side of the family, the whānau (family) that I typically never get the opportunity to see. Being in New Zealand makes me really appreciate how close my family is. Although it would have been really nice to go on a road trip, I am enjoying my time here in New Zealand with my loved ones. There are so many gorgeous flower bushes around campus, so I could help making her a Hawaiian flower lei!
My cousins mother is an alumni from the University of Otago, so I was excited to show her around town and campus. We took a campus tour and she said that she loved that campus way more than the University of Auckland, where she currently studies and is thinking about doing graduate school here.
It has been such a beautiful break so far. Up until the start of break, it was quite cold and rainy… but the sunshine came out when we needed it to! The photo above is from Dunedin’s botanical garden. Studying/reading in the “botans” is something that I have loved while being here. Whether you want a take a nap in the fields, take a break from homework, or get a good hike in, the botans covers all you need!
This is St. Clair beach. It’s one of the closest beaches to campus. It’s about a ten minute car ride from campus and twenty minute bus ride!
My uni kapa haka (Māori performing arts) group has been practicing for the opening of ANZAC day. I haven’t been a part of any ANZAC ceremony, so this will be my first! I am very honoured that I am able to perform with the Māori association to welcome those who endured the pain of war. The photo above is of me and my Māori sister, Tiana. She drew my first moko! Kapa haka has been a huge part of my life here in Otago. Through the kapa haka group I have learned so much of the Māori language, history and performing arts. I think it is safe to say that people I have met through kapa haka have become not only friends, but family. I am extremely thankful for all the connections that the University of Otago has give me the opportunity to make!
Until next time,
Ka kite!