Tu Rangatira students attend the Poukai at Poutu Pa.

The Poukai is an annual series of visits by the Maori king to Kingitanga marae, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.   The event sees all of the hapu of Ngati Raukawa come together to discuss and seek solutions to issues that are currently pertinent to the people of the area.

The weekend began on Friday 3rd March with the kawe mate, where all of the members of the hapu who have passed on are welcomed onto the marae in an official powhiri.

The next day all of the hapu welcomed the Kingitanga delegation - three bus loads of representatives who had traveled from the Waikato onto the marae.  The day was then spent discussing all of the issues of the hapu, with solutions, strategies and support provided  to overcome these.

Of particular importance was the issue of the quality of the local water and the kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of the Manawatu river and Lake Horowhenua.

Our students represented the College exceptionally well.  They were heavily involved in the preparation for the main powhiri on the Friday, as well as preparing the marae for the main event of the Kingitanga on the Saturday.  Our young tane were out the back, prepping, cooking and carving the kai for our visitors, while our young wahine were instrumental in ensuring the dining hall was looking its best for our guests.  

It was a wonderful learning experience for all of our rangatahi and they recieved endless positive comments and praise for their efforts.