American Student Desperately Seeking AUTHENTIC Information about the Maori

[Tinabugg]

Hi Everyone! My name is Christina, a 21 year old student and Florida State University in America. I am writing a research paper about the art and art history of the Maori culture. I had the honor and privlege of spending 3 nights on a Maori reserve about 5 years ago during a visit to New Zealand. Everything I saw was nothing short of amazing and awe-inspiring. I learned so many wonderful things about the traditions, values and customs of the Maori culture. Unfortunately, I have moved many times since then and a lot of my notes, pictures and souvenirs were misplaced. I am very sad to lose these wonderful treasures which were so important to me. I am posting this message to see if anyone can help me find authentic information about the Maori. I am hoping to contact someone in New Zealand who can gather some information, pictures, and maybe even some examples of the art of the Maori and ship them to me here in America to use in my paper. My paper will be concentrating on the versatile use of the tongue in Maori culture and how that is reflected by their art. Does anyone know who I can contact about obtaining these things. I am also hoping to come in contact with a Maori who might be willing to answer some questions about their culture in an interview or survey. Also if anyone knows of some resources online or other that can help me, or if anyone just happens to know a fact or website or contact information that might help me, I would greatly appreciate it. It is my intention to write this paper based on information from sources that are authentic, directly from New Zealand and the Maori people. I am sure that those of you who read this can understand that the resources available to me here in America at libraries and at school may be "second hand" or inaccurate. If at all possible I would like to avoid using information that may not be completly accurate, I would like everything I say from my research to verify my wonderful memories of the experiences I had with the Maori that I am going to discuss in my paper. I can be reached through this forum's e-mail system, and just for clarity, my member name is Tinabugg. Thank you very much everyone for you time and help, it is greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Christina