Orakei Marae

By Paris Dore.

THE children looked hot as the bus pulled over and fifty students from Ponsonby Intermediate gradually huddled out. They were all excited about their first EOTC programme on Valentines day.

Rooms one and seventeen stood close together and waited for a Karanga (greeting). The classes representing their school proudly walked while a Maori lady called out. They responded with a waiata (song). The classes then sat down and listened to the Maraes history by its owner, Bob. They then followed Bob around the big Marae, and learnt even more! “This is the tree from one tree hill, we are planing to carve it and send it to another iwi”. Bob said as he pointed to the tree. They then hurried off.

Okay now, lets head off to the bus!” Ms Lawson shouted out. The children left on the bus and got back to school, with a lot more knowledge than when they came in.