3 months ago
A contingent of dignitaries and diplomats representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were welcomed on to a Waikato marae this weekend, in the hopes of creating ties between the Māori and Saudi people (Source: Te Ao Maori News.)
The home people of Paaraawera Marae in Te Awamutu were treated to a display of sword dancing and fine cotton dress in a cultural exchange that began on Saturday.
The NZ-based group of Saudi were welcomed by famous sea voyager Hoturoa Kerr, who said the similarities between the two cultures were remarkable, “They picked up the hongi easily because it’s a custom of their own and so is standing to do a whai kōrero, singing, socialising, it’s was second nature to them.”