The history and the traditions of the South West Zone are important for the future at Oaklands!

Throughout this term we will discover and learn about the history and traditions of our local area. This valuable information will be used and taken into account when we go through the process of designing and rebuilding Oaklands in 2018. 

Here are some of the things we have been learning about already. 

Students were asked to research what a cultural narrative was, here is what they had to say. 

• It’s about history of a culture

• It’s a story you tell about your culture

• It tells how the culture came into existence

• It can be tell how the world was created - creation story

• Every culture has one

• There are morals to to the story

• Passed on down through generations

We looked into the creation story of Te Waipounamu and Te Waihora and students then showed their understanding of this through a skit. They watched this video. 

https://youtu.be/P6q8E1laQjY

We also looked into the local flora and fauna that is native to the South West Zone that could be planted when redesigning Oaklands. Here are some ideas from students for certain types of fauna that they would plant in the rebuild. 

'Brianna Greaves'

Scientific and Maori Name: Harakeke/Phormium tenax

Are parts it Edible: Yes

Does it have other uses: Yes

Would you plant it at Oaklands: Yes I would plant it again in the new rebuild, I would put it in the junior area so the can use it to weave and put all the fruit/veg that they get out of the garden in it.

'Savannah Keo'

Scientific and Maori Name: Corsynocarpaceae laevigatus / karaka

Are parts it Edible: Yes, only there orange berries BUT NOT FRESH because they are poisonous. You need to put the berries into water and then bake them.

Does it have other uses: No

Would you plant it at Oaklands: No because the berries are poisonous and the little kids could just eat them.

'Alex Maxey'

Scientific and Maori Name: Podocarpus totara, Torara

Are parts it Edible: The berries can be eaten, and the bark can be used in medicine.

Does it have other uses: No

Would you plant it at Oaklands: Yes. They might grow too high, which might not be good especially in strong winds where it could fall, so I would put it away from buildings, somewhere on the field. It could be used for shade, and possibly incorporated as part of a playground.

'Nicholas Tan'

Scientific and Maori Name: Ficinia Spiralis, Pikao/ Pingao

Are parts it Edible: The young shoots are edible but not the rest.

Does it have other uses: It is used in weaving and the creation of tukutuku panels.

Would you plant it at Oaklands: Yes because we could make Tukutuku panels and show our cultural diversity and use it for art.

As you can see, the ideas have come thick and fast. It will be great seeing the school evolve with the input from the students!