We are very excited to have secured a visit date to the Orakei Marae in November.

The whole school will visit the Marae on 4 December and travel by bus. More details will be sent home soon regarding these trips. There will be a charge for this trip, TBA.

Ōrākei Marae is a living, breathing part of the Ngāti Whātua people. Located above Ōkahu Bay on the shores of the Waitematā Harbour, Ōrākei Marae is just a 10-minute drive from downtown Tāmaki Makaurau. Takaparawhau (Bastion Point), where the Marae is based, is steeped in rich culture and history, boasting spectacular views of the Waitematā Harbour and Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri.

Tumutumuwhenua, the ancestor the house represents, has connections to all the major tribes throughout Aotearoa.

Upon entering, you will be surrounded by carved representations of the many tribal ancestors throughout the land. Your senses will be greeted with a myriad of experiences and you will be transformed from a visiting guest to one of the home people during the pōwhiri, the sacred welcoming ceremony. Ōrākei Marae teaches Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei values to all who attend. The Marae ātea (courtyard out front of the main house) is the domain of Tūmatauenga, our space for conflict resolution. Inside the main house, this is the domain of Rongo, for peaceful discussion. The gardens and natural bush become a haven for nurturing the earth and our 3 fully equipped kitchens.