Noho Marae

Tēnā tātou,

Ka rere atu te mihi nui ki ngā tama toa kua noho mai ki Ngāti Moki marae i tēnei wiki. He mihi mahana nui ki ngā tangata whenua o te whare nei me te rohe o Taumutu, ka harikoa ngā tama mā mō tō koutou manaaki, me tō koutou tautoko ki te kaupapa ko te noho marae. Kua piki atu te wairua me te tuhono o ngā tama Māori o Hato Tamati, nō reira, tēnā rā tātou katoa.

This week a fantastic group of boys from Years 7 to 13 travelled to Taumutu where we had an opportunity to connect with one another, and for our Māori students to connect with their culture. Highlights of the noho include an incredibly welcoming mihi whakatau, a delicious dinner provided by whānau, a night time bonfire with roasted marshmellows under the stars listening to local pūrakau provided by Matua David and Matua Craig, observing the many tuna in the creek, a morning workout with senior boys and Matua DK, and of course the marae style sleeping arrangements that the boys found extremely comfortable.

We would like to give thanks to the most welcoming people of Ngāti Moki, and all supporting whānau, for allowing our boys the opportunity to delve into te ao Māori, their own identity, and the chance to come together as a group of happy young Māori men in such a gracious manner. Tēnei te mihi nunui ki a koutou.