Flax garden

We have recently planted our own pā harakeke so that we can resource our mahi raranga (weaving) across the school.The harakeke are all pure strain cultivars from the Rene Orchiston National Collection which is housed at Manaaki Whenua - Landcare Research in Lincoln.

The plants in our pā harakeke, which we have had special signs made for are: Waihīrere, Tūtaewheke, Taeore, Ngutunui, Wharariki, Paoa, Mawaru, Makaweroa, Raumoa, Turingāwari and one from the old Te Waipounamu Girls College. 

The pā harakeke is fenced off to keep the plants safe, and today the tamariki in Te Puna o Te Reo assissted Taua Denise from Taumutu, to whakapai and karakia the plants into their new home with us. 

Te Puna o Te Reo have been studying atua māori this term, one of whom is Hineteiwaiwa, the atua of the Whare Pora (the house of weaving), so it was fitting that we planted our pā harakeke at this time. 
Whaea Christine

A big thank you to Whaea Christine 👏 for her drive and energy that created this wondeful taonga! This will add great value to our localised curriculum and will have a lasting legacy - ka pai Christine! 
Gary Roberts