On Friday the 9th of March 9GD, 9BT, some of the Year 13 class leaders, and teachers, went on a trip to the Rapaki marae in Lyttelton harbour.

We arrived there by 9:15 and were welcomed onto the marae by a powhiri featuring Matua Rewi of Rapaki.

As time passed, we listened to Matua Rewi tell us about the history of the marae and other the ancestors who came before us. 

After the stories, we collected into groups and shared the mihi that we had prepared at school for this day. 

This was challenging for some who are new to speaking Maori, but others already had a mihi that they have known for a long time.

It was a privilege to step foot onto Rapaki marae and for them to greet us with a powhiri. 

I had a great time and would love to go back.