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Earthquake in New Zealand

23 March 2011 12 Comments

A few days back there was a massive earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand. The place now looks very deserted. While Christchurch slowly started to rebuild & coming back to normal, most travellers from all over the world assumed that all of New Zealand was a disaster zone. The result was some more jolts to the country in the form of declining tourism which comprises around 10% of New Zealand’s economy.

If you ask me, I would say New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to. And I have very fond memories of the country.
Besides spectacular panoramic views and green countryside, it is the local tribe Maori which impressed me more. In my opinion, New Zealand is one of the very few countries which has succeeded in keeping the tribal culture alive.
Note:- I have participated in an initiative of a group of Kiwi travel bloggers under the banner of Blog4NZ (twitter: #blog4nz) which has encouraged bloggers worldwide to publish favourite stories of this vibrant country to encourage the world to visit. Tourism comprises around 10% of the New Zealand economy and so each visitor can help in a small way to help rebuild the South Island’s largest city and the impact on the country in general. Note that the Christchurch Airport continues to operate normally and is the perfect gateway to the South Island and its incredible natural beauty.

The first stop was Auckland and so the Auckland museum whose Maori name is Tamaki Paenga Hira could not have been missed out. The building and its exhibits represent the shared history of two peoples working together, fighting together, living side by side, and moving forward into the future. It is complemented with a vibrant and deeply respected Maori culture.
Maori people live throughout New Zealand, and you can see many are actively involved with keeping their culture and language alive as well as joining hands for the country’s development wherever required.
Maori culture is rich and varied; includes traditional and contemporary arts. Traditional arts such as carving, weaving, group performance and moko (tattoo) are practiced throughout the country to replicate the techniques used hundreds of years ago. Contemporary art includes trying and developing new techniques and forms for art, film, television, poetry, theatre, and hip-hop.
Just like wood carvers of Batad in Philippines, traditional carvers also help to keep Maori culture alive by creating intricate works that pay respect to the past.
Sea shell @lemonicks.com

Maori use these kind sea shells for making eyes of carved wooden statues .

There is so much to write about but I am running out of time, so Maori culture will be discussed some other time as well.
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12 Comments »

Abhilash said:

was a nice read… would be looking forward to the continuation… I understand the lack of time issues. Happen with me also.
Abhilash´s last [post] ..Am I holiac Refreshing the old memories of Holi celebration in 2011

# 23 March 2011 at 5:38 PM

Anu said:

the shell itself looks beautiful! i have heard and read so much about the Maoris…hope i get to go sometime!
Anu´s last [post] ..Hampi Part 13 – Assorted memories

# 23 March 2011 at 6:52 PM

Nisha (author) said:

@Abhilash,
Thank you. Yes, I will write about it again but do not know when.

BTW, are you following me on Twitter? If yes, what’s your handle?

@Anu,
The shell is much more beautiful than it appeared here. And the size is almost of my palm.

# 24 March 2011 at 7:54 AM

Zhu said:

I loved Christchurch and I was really sad to hear about the earhquake. I wear a piece of Maori culture every day: a jade pendant I bought in 2003 there.

# 25 March 2011 at 10:53 PM

Shrinidhi Hande said:

I saw a thomas cook NZ self drive package recently… was tempting, but costs a few lakhs for a family trip…

Any sponsors interested?
Shrinidhi Hande´s last [post] ..SilverSand Budget Hotel- Negombo- SL Review

# 26 March 2011 at 8:31 AM

Sankara Subramanian C said:

I totally agree on NZ being a fab destination. My friend spent a couple of weeks there on his honeymoon and cannot stop talking about this place…may be a backpacking trip to NZ is in the offing.
Sankara Subramanian C´s last [post] ..My experience of the day Earth shook Japan–Guest Post by Amitava Biswas

# 27 March 2011 at 2:01 AM

Nisha (author) said:

@Zhu,
Oh oh, can we have a close up look of that pendant?

# 28 March 2011 at 12:55 PM

Nisha (author) said:

@Shrinidhi,
Ha Ha I would be extremely happy if someone sponsors my trip New Zealand !

BTW, we had done exactly the same when we went there. 7-8 of us hired a vehicle and drove through the country. What a scenic natural beauty!

# 28 March 2011 at 12:56 PM

Nisha (author) said:

@Sankara,
I would like to go there again. True, 2 weeks is a very short period.

# 28 March 2011 at 12:56 PM

connie said:

I hope to visit this beautiful country one day. Thank you for presenting us with such great pics and a write up- I do hope travelers will resume their normal travel plans to New Zealand.

# 31 March 2011 at 5:56 PM

Louis Carabini said:

Maori are the indigenous people of the land and their Maori culture and art in New Zealand is an integral part of New Zealand life. The strength and beauty of Maori art in New Zealand is evident in architectural carving.

# 2 April 2011 at 4:02 PM