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<\/a><\/p>\nRosies 21st<\/sup> birthday dinner!<\/p>\n This week, I went on a Maori marae (sacred meeting house) for the first time. I have only been to my marae in the Cook Islands, so this was very special to me since my family ties are rooted in New Zealand as well. There are specific tikanga (protocols) that are carried out when visiting a marae that is not your own, such as approaching the marae, entering the marae and verbal exchange between host and visitor. I had the pleasure of singing the welcoming waiata (song) on behalf of my group of 40 that visited the marae. It was such a powerful and unforgettable moment. As soon as I got home I called my dad and told him. He was so proud and told me that I\u2019m exactly where I am supposed to be at this moment in time\u2026I couldn\u2019t have agreed more.<\/p>\n Puketeraki Marae<\/p>\n Ancestors of Puketeraki Iwi<\/p>\n After my visit at the marae, I had a much needed study group session with some friends who are from the Island of Tonga. They taught me some words and Tongan customs and dance moves! I love learning about other South Pacific cultures because they are similar in many aspects but so uniquely beautiful and different at the same time. As a treat to ourselves we took a well-deserved and impromptu trip to St. Clair beach to watch the sunset.<\/p>\n Salote, Erenei, Salu and me<\/p>\n There is beauty all over New Zealand!<\/p>\n This photo was taken in my backyard! Just gorgeous!<\/p>\n This weekend I slept over in a cave on Long beach. My mates and I grabbed our sleeping bags and headed out to start our camp fire! This was certainly a night to remember. From finding glow worms in the sand at 12 a.m., gathering wood in pitch black darkness, climbing through caves within the cave and making friends blue penguins, I\u2019d consider this one of my favorite nights thus far!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n