Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua. As man disappears from sight, the land remains.

At the end of Term 3 the Haeata senior leaders went out to explore the cultural narratives of Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe and Ngāi Tahu,. First we went to Ōrua Paeroa to look at all the wildlife and to discuss its importance as a mahinga kai to local iwi and hapū in times gone by. 

We were fortunate enough to have Whaea Chante join us there to take portraits of our senior leaders wearing korowai. After that we passed Rapanui and Hākui Raewyn spoke of its significance to Māori as a becon for waka coming into the harbour. From Rapanui we continued on to Tuawera. Whaea Mish shared with us the kōrero of the large imposing rock, a story of unrequited love, murder, and revenge. From there we went to Scarborough park for kai tahi and whanaungatanga. This was also an opportunity to discuss what leadership and rangatiratanga looks like, and how we can grow that within Haeata. Exciting times ahead!

Cultural narratives are important as they describe what is unique about the place and the people. They also recognise the histories of and by mana whenua, Waitaha, Kāti Mamoe and Ngāi Tahu, their sacred places, their interactions with the land and their ways of being as a people. It helps build a common understanding of their values, their heritage and their traditional and spiritual connections to the land and the environment. It is our hope that the senior leaders will feel more connected to the whenua after this haerenga.

We embrace the Haeata value of being a Kaikōtuitui/a Collaborator by being a part of this kaupapa, and representing our kura in the community.