FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023: Dunedin, a city ‘far from it all’ where the university is queen – rts.ch
The Swiss team settled in Dunedin ten days ago, a multicultural city of just over a hundred thousand people in southern New Zealand where the university plays a central role.
“The name comes from the first Scottish settlers (Editor’s note: It comes from Don Edin, Edinburgh in Scottish Gaelic),” specifies Anne Claire Mauger, an archaeologist established in the area and a member of the Alliance Française, an organization that strives to make the French language shine.Besides, there are still people who wear tartan“.
The University of Otago Clock Tower in Dunedin. [Mara Brandl – Imago]
French, who has been established in the area for five years, agreed to meet RTSsport to introduce us to this rather special city.away from it all“She smiles and opens the door of a small cafe located on the university campus, considered one of the most beautiful cafes in the world.”It is the heart of the cityshe explains.The population almost doubles during the university period with students and workers coming from all over the world. It is very multicultural. The Faculty of Psychology is one of the best.“
The University of Otago and its huge campus is undoubtedly the most vibrant place in this sleepy city. It is the oldest in New Zealand, the largest employer in the South Island of New Zealand and is naturally the pride of a town where the Maori culture is present. “We just celebrated the Maori New Year, Matariki, last Friday (July 14). It is the time of the year when you see seven stars in the sky that you only see at that time (constellation Pleiades). It is a moment of reflection on the past, of celebration of the present but also a moment of projection for the year ahead.”, explains the Angevin, whose children also speak the Maori language, which they learned in schools.
In addition to this celebration, which became a statutory holiday last year, Maori culture is being expressed in a subtle but increasingly powerful way, both through the language of words, but also through the better known body language, in particular the haka. “It’s more than just a dance before a rugby match. It is a tradition that accompanies different moments of life. It’s not just a fight. It can express respect, love, welcome…Swiss women were greeted on arrival in New Zealand with this ritual. The Maori flag would also be flown on New Zealand courts, like the Aboriginal flag on Australian packs.
Outside the quiet café, the bustle resumes and waves of students roll among the imposing Gothic buildings on the banks of the ‘Water of Leith’, an apparent homage to Edinburgh. The post mentions our guide who will be attending the six matches scheduled in Dunedin with his family. “I wish you a wonderful stay here. It’s a quiet city and good luck to the Swiss teamShe concluded before showing us the direction of the field about ten minutes on foot and greeting us.
Dunedin, Ludovic Peruchaud
“Proud explorer. Freelance social media expert. Problem solver. Gamer. Extreme travel aficionado.”