By Kallen Ranga
Two intermediate classes from Ponsonby went to the marvellous Orakei Marae for their E.O.T.C experience. It was a beautiful Valentines Day as they travelled to their destination.
The children were amazed as they stood under the Mahau (waiting place). As they were being welcomed, Maluai commented that the carvings were beautiful.
As part of protocol everyone had to remove their shoes. The nerves were high as Rooms 17 & 1 sang their waiata calles E Toru Nga Mea. The time flew by as the students learnt a lot about the Maori history, from Whaea and Bob.
Then it was time to explore the marae as Bob lead the group to the great waka [like an canoe]. The waka needed 120 people to row. It was huge. The students also saw the remains of the tree from One Tree Hill. Whaea said that when the wood is dried out it will be carved into ancesters and given to another iwi.
After a long, fun day both classes boarded the bus and headed back to school, all commenting on the marvellous day they’d had at the outstanding Orakei Marae.
No comments:
Post a Comment