Kia Ora!

KIA ORA, literally means Good Health... In other words, this is what the Maoris say when they greet each other.

I have never met such friendly people other than in New Zealand. No offense of course! There are friendly people everywhere but it just isn't the same as it is in New Zealand. People are ready to assist, always friendly and always almost never judge you for what and who you are.

The Maoris are the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand and their culture remains ever strong until today. I went to a Maori Cultural show organized by one of the backpackers in Maketu with some friends and charged a reasonably priced ticket of Nz$10 per entry.

This ticket buys us a cultural show, some insights to Maori History, Legends and of course, traditionally prepared Hangi.

The HAKA are not only performed before war , nor are they only performed by men. There are a few different types of Haka and they can also be performed by women, others by mixed groups, and some even much simpler ones by children. The War haka, also known as peruperu, were initially performed by warriors before a battle begins , with the reasons of intimidating the enemies.

In present times, haka acts as a tradition to welcome ceremonies for visitors or foreign friends of any kind, serving to impart a sense of the importance of the occasion.

The population of New Zealand is an estimated 4.3 millions people which is mostly scattered around the north island which consists of Maori and the Pākehā. Pākehā are of those of European decent but some Maoris use it to distinguish those who are not Maori. The official language of New Zealand is the Maori Language but English is spoken 98% of the time.

As for the official sports... I need not say. Everyone knows the ALL BLACKS!!! :)