Moving to a new country can be challenging enough for many adventurous families, but learning a new language and a new culture can be daunting to say the least.

Papamoa College is becoming a linguistically diverse school, with a wide range of learners who were born overseas. The English language learners at Papamoa College have been looking into examples of language learning success, cultural identity and local history throughout this year, culminating in a hikoi up Mangatawa to see the geography of our local landmarks. It also inspired some visualisation of what pre-European life looked like here, and why this area has always been attractive for people to settle in. Making a life here in New Zealand also involves understanding the different cultures that live here, and the bicultural partnership between Māori and Pākeha. So not only is English language learnt, but also a range of words and concepts in te reo Māori that help these learners live with confidence in our community.

Nia Finau, our school student mentor, guided our group up Mangatawa and stopped at different places to describe where those legendary whales came into Rangataua Bay, where fortified pā were located and also where significant horticultural developments are today.

“It was a good way to learn about the culture of New Zealand - to go up the mountain and hear the stories,” said Vini, from Brazil. “I think my favourite one was about the big whale and the chief (Tamapahore).”

“I could learn a lot about Māori culture. I don’t think I learnt some things before now,” Sunny, from China, added.

Also some of our learners were intrigued with the animals on the farm, while others were interested in learning about the different orchards that we could see as they have family who own and work in blocks.

The trip was topped off with our chocolate brownie snack on the summit and a few videos of dancing just like Stan Walker in his song, ‘Bigger.’ It was a chance for learners to see a different perspective of our local world.