Exploring cultural connections with the University of North Carolina

Te Whānau o Waipareira extended a warm welcome to representatives from Global Academic Ventures and the University of North Carolina this week.

Global Academic Ventures is an organisation dedicated to facilitating international academic collaborations. In partnership with the University of North Carolina, a group of 17 have travelled to New Zealand as part of an educational exchange.

During their visit, the group immersed themselves in tikanga Māori. With kaimahi from across Waipareira welcoming them in whakatau and then sharing their stories through whānaungatanga. A first time experience for the delegates.

Professor Larry Chavis, who is from the Lumbee tribe of North Carolina, spoke about how the visit today was an opportunity to develop cross-cultural understanding.

“It means a lot for us to be welcomed into this space. It is similar seeing the experience of indigenous people across British colonies. We struggle being proud of ourselves and we have to remind ourselves to be proud of who we are."

Director of Kōrure Whānau, Iri Mako, presented on Waipareira’s rich heritage that focused on Waipareira’s accomplishments both past and present. Tāmati Taurere, Director for Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency, supported Iri’s kōrero by sharing the success of a for and by Māori response during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There are not many organisations outside of Whānau Ora that will celebrate the success of Māori advocacy. We enable whānau Māori to develop and deliver services that work for us. We’ve spent time indigenising frameworks to have a kaupapa Māori lens.”

Students from the University are currently enrolled in a Global Immersion course which focuses on indigenous issues in New Zealand and Australia.

For Professor Larry and the rest of the group, their first time experience of Māori culture was a humbling experience. One that they all embraced and one they will remember throughout their travels.

“Today has helped me with the work that I do back home. It helps me feel part of something bigger. A global indigenous movement where we are all reclaiming our destinies.”

The group are now travelling to Rotorua before leaving for Sydney, Australia this Sunday.