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Aotearoa, New Zealand Diary: October 15-25, 2005
By Nicole Toves and Lori New Breast


October 15, 2005
Journey begins to New Zealand from the Ft. Peck and Blackfeet Nations. On our short lay over in LA, one of the presenters from Native Fusion 2005 makes a short visit to LAX; got to keep up those network connections for Native Fusion 2006!

October 17, 2005
We arrived in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ) and had to take a walk from terminal to terminal to enjoy beautiful warm sun outside. Since, we slept most of the flight we are ready to go when we landed! New Zealand is Auahi Kore, (smoke-free) and thankfully spit tobacco sales are illegal! The air was great! We had a short lay-over before flying onto to Wellington, NZ, where we were greeted by one of the Maori taxi drivers named Ani who transported us to our hotel. Shane Kawenata Bradbrook (Director of Auahi Kore) arrived to take us to a late afternoon lunch and then to his office. He instructed us in the protocol of the Hui (conference/gathering). The title of the conference is: Te Ao Maori, Te Ao Auahi Kore Hui “Wawatatia He Ao Auahi Kore – Ka tutuki pea nga moemoea…” Continuing to wish for a smoke free world! After our meeting Shane advised us to rest, but we went exploring instead! We even had the opportunity to ride a lion! It was wonderful to be by the water!

October 18, 2005
We met with the governing board of the Te Reo Marama. They explained the twelve month intensive outreach cessation services that they provide to their clients. The Cessation program provides outreach services for an intensive four months, with weekly direct contact services, and then a planned period of six month follow-up. The outreach workers go directly to the smokers and work on a one-to-one basis. They discussed how they network and work cooperatively with many different programs to meet the needs of their people (i.e. Diabetes, Physical Activity, Chemical Dependency, etc.), which is very much like our work in tribal health. Later that evening, we went to Nga Hiwi’s home, and we met her entire family. They live on their original homeland, and showed us the Marae that is still on their Iwi (tribal) lands. The Marae is a communal spiritual meeting house, and the location of Maori cultural events. Their Marae is both smoke-free and alcohol-free. To be allowed into a Marae was a honor and to receive the teachings about the sacred carvings and structure was truly one of the gifts of our journey. We then went back to the family home and visited with them. They shared so much of their culture with us including the meaning behind the family names, stories, and the best part - the food and laughter! A marvelous meal was prepared for us. It included, chicken, sweet potatoes, cheese covered broccoli, carrots and delicious New Zealand bread. Afterwards, we had fresh ice cream and fruit. So Delicious! Truly one of the highlights of the trip!

October 19, 2005
We started with an early morning breakfast to go over the schedule of events for the day. We had an engaging lunch meeting with researcher Dr. Heather Gifford of Ngati Hauiti and exchanged stories of what we do in our communities. She was determined to have us take the train to see how beautiful the land is where she comes from. We all agreed, “next Time.” Dr. Gifford presented her culturally based research on “He Arorangi Whakamua” (The Intervention Framework). Next, we were taken by the Te Reo Marama board members and were given a tour of the Te Roopu Me Mutu (The Quit Group), by the Director, Andrea Gilmer. We were greeted by the staff that opened up with prayer and song to welcome us, and Shane Bradbrook and Lori returned prayer and song in return as is the Maori protocol. We were totally immersed in Maori culture socially and professionally. After all was done, they provided food and we all visited about our tobacco work. We were able to tour the actual Quit Group Counseling area. We met many of the counselors, and the design of the Quit Group services was very interesting. We also met Wilma one of the Maori ladies who began the original Quit Group five years ago. They provided us with information they used and the Maori specific information. It was so amazing that at every pod or station included one or two Maori quit counselors to more effectively serve the Maori. Many of the staff positions at the Quit Group are Maori specific. It was not all work and no play, one of the quit group Maori counselors was one of the “New Zealand Idols” finalists, Kevin.

The formal beginning of the hui at Te Papa Tongarewa (The Museum of New Zealand) began that evening. We gathered with the whole conference group and entered into the Marae in their traditional way – Powhiri. It was filled with songs, dance, prayer and laughter. We were honored by standing behind one of the main elders and the head of visitors group or manuhiri. We were honored to participate with the Te Papa Marae group and sing with them. At the conclusion of the Powhiri, we all shared food, which reminded so much of our tribal customs, and helped us feel right at home. During the Hui the Health Sponsorship Council had a sale of “Auahi Kore” items to promote their Smokefree world. It was so interesting to see the type of marketing strategies they have to appeal to their youth as well as the adults. Some of the items they had were: winter jackets, scarves, various T-shirts, lanyards, backpacks, vests, track suits, and so much more. We were privileged to receive some of the items. They all had “Auahi Kore” and/or “Smoke Free” on each of their items, and have developed a protocol for who can wear the all the gear. (See the guidelines for wearing and using this merchandising on the Auahi Kore web-site http://www.auahikore.co.nz/.)

TO BE CONTINUED..