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MAORI CULTURE & CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Learn about the Maori Culture AND volunteer with conservation of New Zealand.



The Maori Culture program represents an amazing chance for you to learn in-depth about the fascinating indigenous people of New Zealand, the Maori.  You will also be able to volunteer in various conservation projects.  The program starts with a two-week course on Maori culture at the Wellington Business School.   This includes trips to places of interest as well as a lesson in the Maori language.  The course takes 22 hours of trips and classes and finishes with two full days and one night on a Marae, which is a Maori meeting place.  Other activities include, but are not limited to: beach excursions to collect paua shells, lessons in traditional jewelry making and flax weaving, learning the haka (traditional Maori dance) and a trip to Somes Island.



After finishing the Maori course, you will be able to participate in a volunteer project; an environmental/forest or an animal/wildlife conservation, depending on the projects being done at that time.  You can volunteer for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of eight weeks.  Some of the projects include the replanting of native forests, predator control, weed control (mainland and off-shore islands), stream quality monitoring, trail construction, maintenance in parks, trash removal and the monitoring of New Zealand wildlife (birds, dolphins, penguins, fur seas etc.).  Projects vary each year depending on current needs as well as the season but all attempts are made to offer as much variety as possible.   



Volunteer activities may include:

  • Participating in a two week Maori Culture course
  • Attending cultural excursions and activities
  • Participate at least two weeks in an environmental or wildlife conservation project

All GeoVisions programs include accommodation and meals, airport pick-up, project training, in country support, medical insurance, extensive pre-departure information and project orientation.

FACT FILE
Minimum Length 4 wks. 
Maximum Length 4 wks. 
Add on Blocks of Time  
Age 18+  Health Good health 
For Minimum Length $ 1500 
For Maximum Length $  
Additional Fee Information If participant wishes to volunteer on more than one project, there is an additional fee. 
Language Training Not included  Airport Transfers Airport pick up is included 
Orientation Included  Flights Not included 
Insurance Included  Visa Costs Not included 
Local Transportation Not included  Other  
Room Included 
Meals Included, although during the volunteer portion, volunteers may need to purchase their own food depending on the individual project policies. 
Locations Maori Culture course takes place in Wellington. 
Working Hours The culture course is may involve some afternoons/evenings due to the nature of the activities. 
Language Requirements English 
Additional Information The Maori culture course includes: lesson in the Maori language; trip to the beach; lesson in jewelry making; trip out on Waka canoes; history talks; learn songs, the haka war dance, learn flax weaking; visit to the Kohanga Reo, the Te Papa the NZ National museum, and trip to Somes Island; help prepare hangi (traditional way of cooking) for evening meal; lesson in Maori protocol; finish with a certificate ceremony and shared meal with tutors and host families and performance by students. 
Arrival Dates 2009: Feb. 3 (Plan to arrive on Feb. 1 or 2) and June 22 
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