The inaugural French / Te Reo Maori immersion Cultural Camp took place on April 7-9 in Akaroa.
The French and Maori departments explored their ancestors' shared history last week with a three-day trip to Ōnuku Marae near Akaroa.
It seemed only natural to combine the year 12/13 French and Te Reo Maori classes in a cultural, linguistic, and historic trip to research stories of the first French colonists who arrived on Le Compte de Paris in 1840 and the Maori Settlers already living in Akaroa.
Our Welcoming Powhiri onto Ōnuku Marae was a moving and unforgettable experience for all and we felt very privileged to make this our home for three days of our camp.
Our students discovered harrowing stories of Te Rauparaha while climbing Ōnawe Peninsula and the arduous journey of the french settlers on their six month voyage from France and forging a new life in New Zealand.
The Amazing Race around Akaroa sent our students searching for landmarks in Akaroa village and The Giant's House was a wonder of ceramic beauty, lush gardens and stunning architecture.
Cooking skills were put to the test with the Masterchef Cuisine Competition on the second night with gastronomic delights such as Ratatouille, Pommes de Terre Dauphinoise, Tarte aux pommes et à l'orange and of course, la specialité Nachos !
We even had a special visit from a tiny Piwakawaka who stayed for a while but left after a karakia was said to send him on his way.
We were so blessed with beautiful weather and an enthusiastic group of students who made the most of their cultural experience leaving them enriched in knowledge and friendships that they will never forget.
Merci et à la prochaine.
Ngā mihi, ā tōna wā