On Thursday 13 June the Senior Team visited the Arai Te Uru Marae. We enjoyed participating in a Powhiri and learning more about Maori culture. 

The children had a wonderful day - flax weaving, creating personal feathers for a cloak, playing games, and listening to legends. 

Thank you to the Tangata Whenua of Arai Te Uru Marae for hosting us and the parents who supported us during our visit.

Below are some poems about our visit.

That Was Our Visit to the Marae

Remember the cold, cold tiles in the bathroom and Whare Kai?

Remember the games that we played with the poi, mind and hands?

That was our visit to the Marae.

Remember the protocols like taking our shoes off when we go into the Whare Nui?

Remember the hongi when we gently pressed our noses together?

That was our visit to the Marae.

Remember the koha that was a tree?

Do you remember crowding around the kai like a super star gate?

That was our visit to the Marae.

Theo 

Arai Te Uru Marae

Remember the birds singing their beautiful songs in the tall ever-green trees as we got off?

Remember when we stood still respecting those who had passed away?

That was our trip to the Marae.

Remember weaving the flax round and round making the prettiest, greenest flower ever?

Remember colouring the paper feather to make a big pretty cloak?

That was our trip to the Marae.

Remember our delicious packed lunch as it tumbled down our throat?

Remember his thrilled voice as he told us the legend of Kai and the whale?

Do you remember the cool air as we sprinted across the grass happy and content?

That was our trip to the Marae.

Jordan

Arai Te Uru Marae

Remember the freezing kitchen floor chilling my feet?

Remember the sharing of tasty kai?

That was our visit to the Marae.

Remember the boys had to sit proudly at the front and the girls had to sit at the back?

Remember when we nervously lined up to do the hongi?

That was our visit to the Marae.

Remember the flax weaving that challenged our brains?

Remember listening to the long story of the brave Kai and his whale?

Do you remember our fun day at the Marae?

That was our visit to the Marae.

Layla

Arai Te Uru Marae

Remember when we threw the plastic at each others feet?

Remember when we madly clapped trying to stay in?

That was the Marae.

Remember how the loyal whale had taught the little boy how to ride a whale?

Remember the sharp waxy feeling of the flax on our soft hands?

That was the Marae.

Remember us singing "E te Ariki" a sweet welcoming song?

Remember when we shared kai while communicating with each other?

Do you remember the detailed wood carvings on the wall

That was the Marae.

Jenny