Maori Culture

This is a Koru, an unfurling fern that symbolizes new life (Wikipedia).

Today, we found ourselves in the middle of a small rainstorm. Marcel ran around in the lab, looking for old leaking windows (of which there are many), trying to stop the water coming in.

Also, my swipe card finally works. This means, I can get a cup of tea without asking other people for their swipe card, and I can come and go however I please.

Maori Lesson of the day:
Auckland was originally called "Tamaki makau rau," which means "maiden with 100 lovers" in Maori. "It was a place desired by all, fought over for the riches and beauty of its terrain," says my trusty guide book.

Also, I learned some Maori phrases today:

Kia ora = Welcome or Hi
Kei te pehea koe? = How are you?
Kei te pai ahau = I'm good
Me koe? = And you?
Hei kona = See you later

The pronounciation is similar to German - lucky me!

Today, about 15% of the 4.5 million Kiwis consider themselves Maori, but only a fourth of them speak the language. To improve this last ratio, New Zealand's schools teach "reo Maori," or the Maori language.