The Canadian Minister for Indigenous and Northern Affairs made a flying visit to the country this week, including spending time at Te Kura o Matapihi and Whareroa Marae.
Dr Carolyn Bennett, accompanied by a small delegation from the Canadian High Commission, has been visiting the country looking at a raft of indigenous issues.
That included educational, child welfare and Treaty of Waitangi reconciliation processes and language retention and revitalisation programmes.
During a powhiri welcome at Whareroa Marae on Thursday, a group of 17 students from Te Kura 0 Matapihi performed waiata and a rousing haka during the luncheon.
Dr Bennett told the Bay of Plenty Times that one of the big ideas which she would take back to Canada was the benefits of having language nests and immersion schools.
She told her Ngai Te Rangi iwi hosts at Whareroa marae that her English ancestors in this country and in Canada were involved n "a real journey of reconciliation".
"We have lots to learn from one another. What we can learn from you is your strength as Maori people, and as we learnt earlier today, the beauty of seeing your young leaders of the future being able to speak and sing in their language, and how important that is.
"We know that is something our indigenous first nations people in Canada want for their children and future generations, "she said.
Dr Bennett said what she and the delegation learned visiting the language nests,and Maori immersion school were "hugely important" lessons.
"We know secure personal, cultural identity is the key for health, education, and economic outcomes, and how you can protect that is what we have learnt a lot about today."
Ngai Te Rangi iwi chief executive Paora Stanley said the minister's visit to the kura and the marae came about after he accepted an offer to host her by Te Puni Kokiri.
"My wife is Canadian, and I recall being at an event where Dr Bennett got a standing ovation from indigenous leaders, which shows she is highly respected," he said.
Mr Stanley said the bonds established during Dr Bennett's short visit to Tauranga were just the start of the journey to foster friendships and share knowledge exchanges.
"I think the real currency for indigenous people is knowledge, and cultural exchanges let us share knowledge and ideas, particularly when it comes to protecting our language."
The minister also visited Rotorua on Thursday before flying to Fiji yesterday.