The last days of the IC Workshop 2016

A report written by Marine Le Minor (IC24)

During our stay in New Zealand, we (workshop participants) had the privilege of spending two nights at the Raukokore marae, not far from the East Cape and its beautiful landscapes.

Tuesday, February 23rd: Powhiri at Raukokore Marae
After travelling a long distance with several stops on the scenic route from Opotiki to Raukokore, we were greated by the Māori with a Pōwhiri ceremony. During this traditional ceremony, speeches were held and songs were sung, followed by the hearty hongi (nose to nose greeting). After the ceremony, the participants and their hosts gathered to introduce themselves and their connection to nature but also to share some mythical stories of whales. The students learned more about the cultural values and rites of Māori and their respect for and their use of the environment. The introduction round was followed by a festive, copious and delicious meal, where contacts were made and stories told.

Accommodation in Raukokore [Marine Le Minor]

Wednesday, February 24th: Catchment presentations and site visitThe second day of our stay was within the scope of field trips to the catchment area of the Raukokore river. Our group was guided by an well-educated local researcher and explored the surroundings from maunga (mountain) to moana (ocean). The Māori hosts showed their land and the environmental problems they are facing during the trip. The environmental problems are based around invasive species, climate change, and long-term forestry. The recurrent deforestation is accompanied by destabilization of soil, landslides and accumulation of mud in the river and the coastal area. The latter also causes a direct problem to local fishermen, whose crayfish populations are depending on the water quality.

Mud accumulation.......[Marine Le Minor]

.... in the adjacent river.... [Marine Le Minor] — ... .in the adjacent river.... [Marine Le Minor]

After a refreshing swim in the ocean next to the marae the participants visited the Raukokore school, which is more than a hundred years old and was even featured in the local movie “Boy”. The Māori community, very affected by its closure last December, would like to work with the INTERCOAST researchers to revive it. Ideas include a hostel, research center or education institution for young adolescents. The location and background is very suitable for these goals.

Thursday, February 25th: Depart from Raukokore
The stay at the Raukokore marae ended like it started, with a delicious meal, speeches, songs and greetings. To mark the occasion and to thank the Māori for their hospitality, the INTERCOAST choir sung a German song, “Die Gedanken sind frei”, and the traditional “Auld Lang Syne”. The long travel to the accommodation in Hamilton that followed the farewell was interrupted by a last swim in the Pacific next to the Coastal Field Station in Tauranga. In the evening we were able to explore Hamilton and gather together in a local pub to rethink and process our impressions on New Zealand and the local community.

Friday, February 26th: University of Waikato
The last day started with an informative workshop on presenting scientific evidence to courts by Willem de Lange, who shared his views and insights from his long-term experience. After the workshop it was possible to explore the campus of the UoW guided by the local INTERCOAST students. Beside the important infrastructure (café, shops), the different departments and laboratories were also included in the tour. The workshop ended with a splendid barbecue, where we were able to say farewell to the local students and organizers.