From shopping, to sharing food, to navigating and interacting with people I just met, the manaakitanga and willingness to take initiative was an aspect that was particularly prominent. Even when window-shopping along the streets of night markets without a hint of intention to spend, store owners would go out of their way to show us the variety of options that could satisfy our wants. They would make us feel welcome, and despite the pressure at times, would still let us leave comfortably as they wouldn’t have any expectations for us to make a purchase.
Other instances of manaakitanga would be regarding the inclusive work culture. With any snacks that the team would have – ice cream, biscuits, fruit, chai, and biryani – I would be counted in without a second thought. They would go to lunch together, ask what everyone had brought for lunch, and share food around at the table. A colleague even offered to bring a second ‘tiffin’ (lunchbox) to work for me if I began to miss the taste of home meals. She even forced me to transfer my hot meal from the Swiggy containers to one of the work ceramic plates as eating from heated plastic wasn’t safe. Work culture was one of the aspects I was concerned about, but gestures like these have allowed this concern to fade, and I feel at ease and excited to meet every colleague each day.
The hospitality was also exhibited by the local university students of NMIMS. They welcomed us with grace and displayed genuine interest in getting to know us and about life in New Zealand. It was intriguing to hear the perspectives of students just like us (with similar ages and degrees), but from the other side of the world. Having organised university events back in New Zealand, it was fascinating seeing how the event was executed by NMIMS students, which was in a very structured, engaging, and organised manner, with both formal and informal components (including a Bollywood dance break 👀).
In terms of skills I have built upon, confidence would be a key one. There have been several instances where being assertive has served me well, including correcting payments, correcting stops in an auto rickshaw ride, avoiding hawkers, navigating through road and foot traffic, as well as customising orders. I have learned that, here, you have to make way for yourself on your own. No one is going to wait around for you – you either push your way through, or get left behind (and I don’t mean just physically). So, there is this combination of both having only yourself to rely on in this fast-paced city and people being there to help you when needed. My navigation and interpersonal skills are strengthening, and I’m eager to see where the next half of the journey takes me. Catch you at the next post 🚏
