As part of our ongoing commitment to honouring the diverse cultures of Aotearoa, our students recently visited the Auckland War Memorial Museum to participate in the Māori Cultural Experience – Living Taonga. This enriching and powerful visit gave our learners a first-hand connection with the beauty, resilience, and traditions of Māori culture.
The word taonga means “treasure” in te reo Māori — and this cultural encounter truly was just that. Guided by respected Māori artists and orators, students were immersed in the stories, songs, and customs that continue to shape Aotearoa today.
From the moment we entered the whare, the experience was deeply moving. We were welcomed with waiata (song), and many students were amazed at the grace and skill shown in traditional poi performances. The storytelling that accompanied these performances gave depth and meaning, showing how each art form is connected to whakapapa (genealogy), identity, and wairua (spirit).
One of the most unforgettable moments was learning about the haka — a powerful ceremonial dance known globally, yet often misunderstood. Students discovered the origins of haka, the different forms it can take, and its place within Māori traditions. Rather than simply being a war dance, we learnt how haka can express emotion, mark significant events, and unify people through shared expression and purpose.
Throughout the experience, our students were encouraged to reflect on the strength and endurance of Māori communities through colonisation, change, and ongoing revitalisation. It was a reminder that Māori culture is not something of the past, but a living taonga — vibrant, evolving, and deeply woven into the future of Aotearoa.
The visit sparked meaningful kōrero (discussion) back in the classroom. Many students expressed a newfound respect for the richness of Māori heritage and the importance of upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in everyday life.
Ngā mihi nui to the team at Auckland Museum for creating such an inclusive and heartfelt experience. Our journey into living taonga was more than a field trip — it was a step towards cultural understanding, respect, and connection.
