It was a stunning example of how collectively we are stronger. So many people in our community helped with the success of Matariki.

I would like to mention how wonderful our Year 8 girls who chose to speak at the beach about the Matariki stars and the meanings behind them are. Abi, Biddy, Rosa, Lucy, Tayla, Kady and Loren you all spoke clearly, you sang beautifully and you displayed confidence and a sincere appreciation for the Matariki celebration. 

Each house group created an exhibition space around the theme of local history. Each house group approached this with a unique display such as a film about a taniwha, paintings and masks inspired by Robin Slow, paintings about Split Apple Rock and writing their own songs about this phenomenon, personalised flags and signposts illustrating the meaning of the original place names of our area and a filmed performance poi with their own poi and paper fantails hanging from native plants in the room. Our goal was to encourage relationships throughout our school from 5-year-olds through to Year 8s and the teachers. This was achieved with our house groups coming together once a week. All students contributed to the exhibition and helped each other to accomplish this. - Thank you

The kapa haka roopu were pre-filmed on a very sunny day and this was shaped into a film that could be seen in another one of the classrooms. Chris Hiles and his son Jimmy worked on this film in their own time and we now have a taonga for us to keep. - Thank you

There was a hangi and hangi pit that has a real story to it. Local artist Darryl Frost helped as well as a lot of input from Cam Trott, Bob (Whaea's partner) and Mandy and Jacko (Whaea's parents - from Hawkes Bay). Many a discussion was had to consider the maths of size, timing and food portions so that we could cater for our 250 guests. - Thank you.

The Māpua Staff were amazing! They helped to create a festive environment and were fully involved in the evening jobs that needed doing. The exhibition spaces were an example of how committed they are to presenting quality work as well as including every single member of our school. - Thank you.

I have a list of all the people/businesses to thank. Each of these contributions was truly appreciated. 

Johnny Briggs for helping clear the space

4Square Māpua - for the donated bread and discounted veges

Ingams Chickens - Thank you for donating the chickens!

The digger company who dug the hole!

Cam Trott

Mandy and Jacko (Whaea’s Parents)

Clive (Caretaker)

FOMs

Sublime Coffee - Emma Hennah

Māpua Teaching Staff

Students for their hard work

Barb Phipps - for the meat!

Mark Bruce-Miller (Whenua Iti) for the loan of the trailer

Darryl Frost guidance and assistance with the building of the hangi pit

Sandy Quinn helping build the hangi pit

Bob for building the roof of our hangi pit

Meat Solutions (Butchery) - Richmond for a discount of meat

Vege Mum helpers - Julia Safonova, Sarah Van Lent, Lisa (Heidi’s sister), Sue Neil, Liz Ussher

Chris and Jimmy Hiles and Toby Lovell for filming Kapahaka

Nāku noa, nā

Philippa / Whaea

Team Leader Year 3-4

Deputy Principal

Māpua School