The Maori Experience in New Zealand

September 9, 2015
Cedar City, Utah
In the spring of 2014, Dylan May and a group of other students and professors from Southern
Utah University traveled 7300 miles to the country of New Zealand to experience the art and
culture. The group was being led on their journey by the English professor, and Maori New
Zealander, Toa Tawa. During the 2 and a half weeks in the country, they traveled by van
throughout the entire north island. While journeying through towns big and small, they
experienced everything from Maori traditions, art, and even film sites of Peter Jacksons Lord
of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. The goal of the trip was to learn how to travel
responsibly, to experience a culture foreign to what they normally encounter, and to gain
inspiration from the beautiful land that is New Zealand.
For these participants, this was a once in a lifetime experience. Because Toa grew up in New
Zealand and he is of the native people there, he was able to lead the travelers through the
most amazing traditions and areas that wouldnt have been options without him. They had the
opportunity to participate in several intimate Powhiri ceremonies, as well as see the Maori
culture firsthand. Not only did they experience the native culture, but they went through cities
both large and small, mountainous regions and jungles, oceans and plains. The amazing
diversity of the relatively small island country showed through even with the short duration of
their trip.
The Global Engagement Center, in this case working in coordination with the Edge program,
was the organization that made this trip possible. The Edge program unique to Southern Utah
University requires students to do a self-initiated project to give them an edge on future
competition in the job market.
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Dylan May
801-386-6670
dylanmay2@gmail.com
13546 Grand Trotter Way,
Herriman, UT 84096