Kuchars Gone Kiwi

 One of the reasons that I applied to New Zealand as my Fulbright destination was to experience the bicultural education policy.  Research aside, it has been really cool to see how our kids have experienced Māori culture as it is seamlessly intertwined into their primary school.  As Kat said a few months ago, "I've learned more about Māori culture in 4 weeks than I've learned about Native Americans my whole life."   Below I'll share just a few parts of Māori culture that we've experienced as a part of the schooling system here: Pōwhiri & mihi whakatou - Traditional ceremonies that welcome people to new spaces. We've attended these upon starting school at each site! Marae - Māori meeting grounds. This marae is a part of University of Victoria where I am completing my research.  I was lucky enough to attend a mihi whakatou inside the wharenui (meeting house) here. Karakia -  Traditional ritual Māori chants that are said at specific times.  Wat...

Some English words that are different in New Zealand than in the US.  You can't survive without 'em! angus - someone with an anger problem bach - vacation house biscuit - cookie boots - cleats capsicum - bell pepper choice as - that's the best chilly bin - cooler courgette - zucchini crash out - temper tantrum dairy - corner store far out - I can't believe it (happy or sad) hot chips - French fries football - soccer gumboots - rainboots jandals - flipflops jersey - sweatshirt morning tea - recess/snack reliever - substitute teacher rubber - eraser plaster - bandaid sweet as - that's so cool togs - swimsuits tomato sauce - ketchup tramping - hiking wicked - really good Also, here at some Māori words that people use all the time here: Aotearoa - New Zealand hui - meeting iwi - tribe ka pai - Good job! keroro - story kia ora - hello/welcome/good health greeting mahi - work moana - ocean mōrena - good morning pātai - question potāe - hat whānau - family waka - canoe