New Zealand village reopens at Polynesian Cultural Center
The Polynesian Cultural Center (PCC) has recently re-opened its entire Aotearoa (New Zealand) village, which now features new carvings recognizing Hawaikiroa, the ancient Polynesian navigator.
The intricately designed carvings are made from the native Totara timber of New Zealand. The carvings honour the ancient navigator Hawaikiroa for the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands, and for being an ancestor to Aotearoa.
The Aotearoa village consists of three houses, including the Marae (sacred place for protocol and social purposes) and meeting house, both of which were the focus of the new renovations. Guests enjoy interactive presentations about the Maori culture, including the symbolic significance of the carvings, unique facial tattoos of the Maori people, and the performance of the exciting war dance, the Haka.
Aotearoa is one of six villages celebrating the native culture and people of its island heritage at the PCC. The other villages showcase Hawaii, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga and Fiji. At each island village, guests are immersed in the native culture through fun and engaging presentations, exhibits and hands-on activities.
