Over two gloriously sunny days in November, the Motu Learning Community took their learning outside, spending the day at Pilot Bay with Mauao Adventures.

The students participated in three activities; waka ama, stand-up paddleboarding, and a hikoi around Mauao. It was great to see everyone getting involved, accepting the challenge of trying something new, working together, laughing, getting wet, sharing kai, and just generally having good fun without a device!

At the start of the day, the students had a korero about the myth of Mauao and how he got his name “caught by the morning light”. They also heard about how the area was used by Maori in the past for food gathering and preparation, and the traditions around life beginning and ending. We also learnt about some of the local wildlife, blue penguins and seals, and their habitats and habits.

It was a wonderful way to send off our Year 10 learners, and to further build relationships with our 2022 Year 10 students. We all left with a sense of achievement, a little bit sunburnt and a new appreciation for our local stories.

“The water was warm and the pizza lunch was good!” - Ashton Van Rhyn Y10
“It was interesting learning about the place” - Sidney Sloane Y10