Traditional Knowledge Conference 2008

Traditional Knowledge
Conference 2008

8th to 11th June 2008
Auckland
New Zealand

The pictures above portray a ‘challenge’ which takes place as part of the traditional Māori welcome. The warrior assesses the situation to determine whether the visitors come in peace or not. He runs forth, jumps about, and swings his staff about. He lays an offering before the visitors. By picking up the offering, they signify that the visit is peaceful. On seeing this, the elderly woman calls to the visitors and beckons them onto the village fore-court.

Te Tatau Pounamu – The Greenstone Door: Traditional Knowledge and Gateways to Balanced Relationships