This week Waka Kōpapa have been to Rehua Marae

This week Waka Kōpapa have been to Rehua Marae. While under the korowai of Ngai Tahu, Rehua is a marae that has whakapapa across Aotearoa. We learned about the correct tikanga for our pōwhiri process and then applied this learning as we were welcomed on. Students reflected that while parts of the pōwhiri initially made them a little nervous, they realised after that there was nothing to worry about and they enjoyed the experience. This is one of the key reasons we take students on a marae trip; to make connections with our local area and have a shared positive cultural experience so that students see marae as an enjoyable place to go. At the Marae we learned about the history of Rehua, the structure of the wharenui and the meaning of the carvings. Each carving ties Rehua to the various iwi across the motu so that all Māori can come to Rehua regardless of where they are from and have whakapapa there. We also studied the tukutuku panels making a connection to our visual art program this term. A highlight of the day was kai! You can't have a marae trip without a great kai. Filled rolls, ice cream and jelly were on the menu and the children enjoyed the experience of sharing kai.

At our poroporoaki the students reflected on the marae trip and how some things were different to how they expected, but that they enjoyed themselves. Overall, we all had a wonderful time and can't wait to go again.