Yesterday, we started off our class session by heading over to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. I learned that it is a younger geothermal valley and was created in the aftermath of an explosion from the volcano. It is protected as a scenic reserve by the Department of Conservation NZ. Given the fact that it is close to a volcano, the springs were extremely hot and most of the water had reached 180 degrees F. The waters also had different colors due to the high levels of acidity. Later on in the evening, we visited the village where there was a Maori tribe. I learned that colonialism had impacted Maori culture heavily and that they have had issues with the government for quite some time. The chief told us that they only owned 3% of land and getting people to recognize them as a culture has been a challenge. When I did the haka on stage, I felt a sense of being uncomfortable given that I had never done it before but nonetheless, I realized I needed to get out of my comfort zone. They were very friendly and their music connects their culture together.
