In the Season 2 finale of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies, host Alisha Prakash delves into the history and traditions of the Māori, the first people of Aotearoa (New Zealand). Centuries ago, their ancestors crossed the Pacific in waka, or canoes, navigating by stars, bird migrations, and ocean swells. Their arrival marked the beginning of a cultural legacy rooted in kinship with the land and sea and guided by a deep spiritual connection to the natural world. We’re joined by two Māori cultural leaders who share how they carry this legacy forward through their work and lived experience. Rawiri Edward Manawatu, from the South Island town of Kaikōura, helps his iwi (tribe) stay connected to their ancestral homeland through community-led development. Hoturoa Barclay-Kerr, a master navigator, is reviving the sacred art of traditional Polynesian voyaging. Through their stories, we explore Māori oral histories, spiritual beliefs, social structures, and the lasting effects of colonization, along with powerful efforts to reclaim and revitalize culture. The conversation also highlights ways visitors can connect meaningfully with Māori life today, from sacred coastal landscapes to world-class museums and immersive cultural tours.

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