An American In Aotearoa

I wasn't sure what to talk about this week, then I found a hitchhiker on the side of the road.  Fifteen minutes later, I am involved in the internal politics of the local high school, giving advice to a student about how to pressure his administration on a change of lunch policy.  Plus, Willa shares her latest "Fish out of Water" experience. News article on Kaitaia College food poisoning: https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/03/09/raw-chicken-served-at-kaitaia-college-horrific-disgusting-student/ L.A.B. “Take it Away”  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3SsgF-q5mQ

This week I was able to travel to Auckland to pick up our campervan.  I know it seems easy to transport a vehicle across the globe, but there were some challenges in getting this done.  I'll tell you all about this week. If you are interested in Bella Kalolo (this week's featured artist), check out this music video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFLpaxCsPOs

We tend to view places that are very far away as being very different and exotic.  I have been fortunate to travel and live in places "very far away", and it seems to me that they aren't really that different.  I seem to hear and have the same conversations wherever I am.   Stan Walker and Kings - Feelings https://youtu.be/xulglxV7Zwo Stan Walker's kick ass version - Don't Dream its Over https://youtu.be/UzgKG3Xe8Tc

This week I really was fascinated with the idea of Land.  Is there a difference between the way people from a Western background view "the land" and the way Indigenous and First Nations people view Land?  This is a big question.  But it plays out in a very real and imminent way just down the street from us. Link to Chu Fe's song "Misty Frequencies":  https://youtu.be/sBrToWx1ptA

Ryan rejoins Brian and brings his five questions about what it is like living in Aotearoa.  

This week I spent some time reflecting on the founding story of New Zealand after having celebrated Waitangi Day. Was the founding of New Zealand an conquering of a native people or an agreement between two equals?

Today I sit down with my 12 year-old daughter to interview her about her first couple days of school here in Ahipara. Here’s the link to The Bats: https://youtu.be/xC4SX4c50Ig

I traveled this weekend to see my first live cricket match. Today I’ll give you my observations on that experience. And we hosted our first New Zealand dinner party. Did we debate NZ politics and talk about Former president Trump? You know we did.

This week I speak about a few keen observations that stand out to me being here in the Far North for three weeks.  I promise, not too much lecturing. Link to Tama Waipara music:  https://youtu.be/T2w1L_thEMI

We have been in New Zealand for 10 days so it is time to reflect and give the audience our first impressions of our time here so far.   This weeks' featured artist is Tipene Harmer.  https://music.apple.com/us/album/west-side-hori/1260462305?i=1260462852