Welcome back to Mobile Relocation’s monthly newsletter. The new year has held more challenges to our country than expected and people have been busy everywhere trying to adapt. Nonetheless, we are here to introduce you, or welcome you back, to Aotearoa New Zealand and assist you in having a smooth relocation experience.
Let me introduce myself.
Kia ora! I am your new newsletter editor, Elizabeth.
My husband and I moved to Aotearoa New Zealand from the United States in early 2022, during the tail end of the Managed Isolation/Quarantine (MIQ) phase for entry into the country. We were looking for a change of pace to our work-life balance and came up with a three-step plan to achieve this. To be honest, all the doors for our third and final step of moving to New Zealand opened unexpectedly and more easily than any of the others, so we walked through them and here we are — and we couldn’t be more pleased.
Even though we’ve faced unexpected challenges coming from the US, life in Aotearoa has been a breath of fresh air to us. As healthcare workers, we’ve seen the ins and outs of working in our industry and, while different, it’s altogether refreshing here. Most of all, we’ve welcomed the boundaries surrounding a work-life balance that allow us to get back into the outdoors as well as savour our hobbies again.
In these newsletters, it’s my goal to share our experiences of moving to Aotearoa New Zealand and to hopefully play a small role in easing you in for your transition as well. If Mobile Relocation was able to get us here during one of the most difficult recent immigration phases and arrange a smooth transition to top it off, we know that they will be able to help you as well.
Lastly, make sure to let us know if there are any particular topics you’d like to hear more about! We’re here to help x
This month, we're sharing:
Te Matatini, a significant and cultural festival for Māori performing arts
Te Waihou Walkway, The Great Kiwi ‘Day Walk’
Local Lingo: Ta
Te Matatini, “the Olympics of Māoridom”
One of the unique aspects of Aotearoa New Zealand that may be seen less in other countries is the presence of indigenous culture woven throughout daily life.
Our country is known worldwide for haka. Traditionally awar dance or challenge, today it is also performed to welcomeguests, as a mark of respect at occasions such as commemorations and funerals, and as a challenge to opposingteams at sports events. To somebody experiencing a haka for the first time, they would be amazed at the strength and power of the group performance. The movements are fierce and the chanting is loud as the tribe performing displays their strength and unity. The words of haka often poetically describe ancestors and events in the tribe's history and there is enormous mana (pride) when performing. For many, including my family, it is difficult to not be moved bywhen experiencing a haka.
Last week wrapped up the 50th anniversary of the Te Matatini Festival.
Normally the celebration comes around every two years, though with Covid complications, it has been four years since the last event and its long absence made this one all the more treasured. By showcasing Māori performing arts, the festivalbrings together indigenous traditions, stories, and artistry over the course of four days.
While there are many things to see and do for attendees, the main event is cheering on the performing groups who are vying to place as the festival’s winner of kapa haka excellence.
We were glued to the TV watching in admiration as each group took to the stage.
Want to catch up on this year’s performances and winners? Check out Te Matatini on YouTube.
For more frequent updates on global relocation and life in New Zealand:
Coming from the west coast of the US, exploring the New Zealand wilderness, or ‘bush’ as it is generally known here, has been a top priority for me since I arrived here.
Aside from the famous multi-day ‘Great Walks, like the Milford or Routeburn Tracks, there are a host of hikes you can complete without staying overnight, commonly called ‘day walks’. These can be as long or as short as you like, but the idea is to make it an expedition, bringing along a picnic and spending the day out and about.
Close to my home in Hamilton, the Te Waihou Walkway, the Blue Spring is a delight of a walk.
A delight of a walk, The Waihou Walkway to the Blue Springis an easy and well maintained track that is a must-see. There are two tracks to the spring: a direct and short 15 minute one-way trip from the east, or a beautiful and meandering 1.5 hour one-way walk from the west.
While there’s no swimming near the spring itself (60% of Aotearoa New Zealand’s bottled water comes from here, so keep it clean, folks!), there is plenty to admire the entire way and it gets better the closer you get. Crystal clear blue water and serene otherworldly views, what’s not to love?
New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) has a great searchable feature on its website so you can find walks near where you live.
You could even work up a must-do list while you’re sitting offshore waiting for your visa to come through!
Word of the Month: Ta
While no one can say for sure of its origins, “ta” is used as a slang word for “thanks” or “thank you” in specific regional areas around the world, New Zealand included.
