Today we went to the Waimangu Volcanic Valley, took a boat tour, visited the redwood trees, and learned about Maori culture from the Tamaki Experience. The volcanic valley was beautiful. We learned about tourism from the area and how the Maori people manage the land and conduct tourism. Almost everyone working within the park and on the boat tour had some family connection to the land or to tourism in the region. It was really cool to learn about this while we visited the geothermal region. After visiting the volcanic valley and boat tour, we went to see the redwood forest. Some of the group went on the skywalk while others explored their own path. I went with AJ and Ace to hike and experience the scenery in a more natural and personal way through the hiking trails. My favorite part of this was being able to clear my mind and experience the silence of the redwoods. Although this trip is largely about Sustainability, Maori culture, and tourism I find many ties to Whittier’s values and ideals that stem from Quakerism such as silence and stewardship. As Whittier was once a Quaker school, I feel it is important to tie these ideals to the trip as well. Overall the silence in the redwoods helped me reflect on why we are taking sustainability and stewardship of the land and natural resources so seriously. The true beauty of these places must be protected, preserved, and revitalized for future generations. After visiting the redwoods and getting a break, we went to meet Maori and learn about Maori culture through the Tamaki Experience. Although at times it felt quite a bit performative after talking with the chief over dinner I began to understand some of their culture better and many of their sustainability efforts. One major thing that struck me was their investment in geothermal and in community trust to support the younger generations and the Maori community. I also learned how they often struggle with representation and acknowledgment in government and politics. Overall I feel it was a good learning experience and I was happy that I was able to connect with them outside of the performative elements of the experience.
