Orakei Marae

By Ashleigh Leonard

‘E Toru nga mea’ sang the enthusiastic students from Ponsonby Intermediate.
They were on a journey to the Orakei Marae , situated above the Waitemata Harbour.

Shortly after arriving at the Marae they were welcomed with a traditional Maori karanga (greeting).

They then sang their own Waiata in return , that received positive comments from the people of the Marae.

One of the attractions at the Marae was the ancient tree from One Tree Hill. Many hands were raised when told that this rotting piece of wood was once the tree of One Tree Hill. This piece of wood was son to be carved into ancestors and given too another Iwi .