The fusion of two cultures working together for tourism
In the past (pre-eruption) Te Wairoa was a mix of Maori and European settlement, working together to transport, host, entertain and guide tourists visiting the famous Pink and White terraces on Lake Rotomahana, beside Lake Tarawera. Huru Maika and Miriama Witcliff are two tour guides at Te Wairoa the Buried Village who are direct descendants to the original inhabitants of Te Wairoa Village.
Huru is the great grandson of the chief (leader) and Kaumatua (elder) of the Tuhourangi iwi (tribe.) As a guide it is simply stated by Huru as his ‘wairua’. “It is the spiritual connection within me, to the land, the people here now, and those before,” says Huru.
For guide Miriama it is the same wairua. Miriama is the great great granddaughter of the popular ‘Guide Sophia’ who guided visitors to the Pink and White Terraces prior to the eruption. Guide Sophia is remembered for sheltering fifty plus survivors of the eruption within her whare (house.)
Miriama is happy following this guiding tradition, continuously reading from the vast collection of books within the souvenir shop, taking notes and improving her personal and informative tour through the Museum of Te Wairoa and the Buried Village excavated site displays.
Further information
Pam McGrath
Phone: +64 7 362 8287
Email: discover@buriedvillage.co.nz
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