Being on this PMSLA (Prime Ministers Scholarship for Latin America) tour to go to Colombia and share such a beautiful embodied exchange of knowledge was powerful. I enjoyed learning about Caleno and Colombian culture, and understanding the way they view performing arts in their perspectives. I enjoyed teaching the students from Universidad del Valle as…Continue Reading Iatua Felagai Taito
Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Living in Cali, Colombia for one month was an unforgettable experience which will leave a lasting impression on me. Aside from my own personal development, Colombia fostered a deeper appreciation for diverse culture, and a renewed commitment to living life with resilience, open-mindedness, and a genuine connection to the world around me. My preconceived notions…Continue Reading Jasmin ‘Ofamo’oni
Joanna Cook
My time in Colombia was nothing short of incredible. Before leaving, I had apprehensions due to the negative perceptions often associated with the country, such as safety concerns and drug-related issues. However, this trip proved to be a remarkable experience. It was exceptionally well organised, with a local producer/chaperone guiding us and an excellent translator….Continue Reading Joanna Cook
Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
This trip to Colombia was really like a once-in-a-lifetime trip. I was quite nervous about travelling and being there because of all the unknowns and the reputation Colombia has in the world. However, after spending a month there, I developed a great appreciation not only for the culture but for the people we interacted with….Continue Reading Syrai-Tiare Taumihau
Teuila Hughes
Colombia was beyond anything I could have imagined. In the months leading up to the trip, there was some worry about spending a month in Cali, one of the most dangerous cities in the world. My concerns also stemmed from having watched the complete Netflix series, Narcos that painted quite a violent and intimidating image…Continue Reading Teuila Hughes
Brazil – We did that!
Having returned from the most amazing time in Brazil I have been reflecting on all the valuable experiences. In doing this I have been reflecting through a hauora lens and utilizing Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model as a framework. It has reiterated that I felt a good balance of synergy between each…Continue Reading Brazil – We did that!
Falou, ate mais Sao Paulo!
What are you afraid of? Shivers with intention. A teardrop becomes one with the rain. I hear and see your pain. Activists can get tired too. and lose hope. Bleached minds say we are. too ambitious. When we want to be treated equally. When we want better for our people. A loyal servant. When years…Continue Reading Falou, ate mais Sao Paulo!
What’s it like being back home.
Being back home from 2 months in Mexico, to now in New Zealand and heading back into university, has allowed me to decompress and to really think about what the past 2 months has been like for myself and for the way I want to begin to approach life again. I have learnt a lot…Continue Reading What’s it like being back home.
A week off the Grid
Our final week in Mexico, how exciting. A week with a lot of expectations on our behalf, but a week that was definitely something to look forward too. To begin the week we set off, in a van at 7am in the Morning on our way to Cuatzalan. A 5-hour long van ride through Mexico,…Continue Reading A week off the Grid
Final Thoughts and Thanks
After being back in New Zealand for just over a week, I thought I’d share my final thoughts on my amazing month-and-a-half trip to Mexico. As my previous posts have been quite wordy, I am going to aspire to keep this one short! People have been asking me all week about my time away, and…Continue Reading Final Thoughts and Thanks