As I gaze at the rain disturbing the smooth surface of Lake Wakatipu, I recall Tess’s farewell statement. “There is a Māori legend for everything. Take note. It will deepen your experience.” I am in Queenstown, South Island in New Zealand, surrounded by mountains. It has been raining for hours. Perhaps the raindrops are the … Continue reading Mourning mists of Māori gods in Milford Sound
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‘AND STILL I RISE’: Young refugees rap at Te Papa
Patrick from Sudan invites me to ‘Come and see what we’ve been doing.’ Young refugees, from over 20 ethnic backgrounds, have explored their experiences of coming to, and settling in, New Zealand through, ‘writing, film, photography and all kinds of artwork.’ I accept Patrick’s invitation and enter the Mixing Room on the fourth floor of … Continue reading ‘AND STILL I RISE’: Young refugees rap at Te Papa
Falling in Love with Pohutukawa over Christmas
On a grey rainy day I take a cab from Auckland airport to where my friend, Tess, is having her works Christmas lunch. Crackers, Christmas hats, rubbery turkey and office gossip. I could be in London. But then Tess drives me to the highest point of the city and we look out over the ocean. Mountains … Continue reading Falling in Love with Pohutukawa over Christmas
Eithne Nightingale 