Ooh's and ahh's echoed around the playground and in classrooms on Thursday 14th September - our school hangi day.

Preparation had started the day before with the vegetables being peeled, the pit being dug and the fire being stacked ready for lighting at 6am. Children were able to come and view the hangi fire, the red hot rocks being rolled into the pit and food going into the pit as they arrived for school.

By lunchtime, the hangi was ready to be lifted and there was lots of anticipation and excitement from the children. Despite the weather threatening to dampen our spirits, we managed to have the whole school watch the lifting of the hangi and children were eating with their classes.

Almost every child tried some of the hangi and many were surprised at how much they enjoyed it! Some children came back for second, third and fourth helpings!

Our school hangi was such a wonderful event to share with the children and our community. We cannot wait for the next one.

Here's what some of the children had to say about the hangi.

Watching the people dig it out was good. - Jessica Y3

I liked the part where we got food. They cooked food and it was very yum. I liked it when the steam came out of the food. I ate a lot. - Preston Y3

When the hangi opened it was really steamy which was cool. I enjoyed when we got to eat all of the yummy food. - Lucas Y3

I loved the food and I loved watching it come out. - Jake Y2

I loved watching the food getting taken out and I liked doing the haka. - Levi Y2

I liked how they cooked the food in the ground. They were very nice people and the food was cooked well. - Pippa Y5

I liked watching the Kapa Haka perform and the chicken! - Taylor Y6

A massive thank you once again to all those people within our school and community who helped us to make this event happen. Firstly, to Edward Lockwood, Debbie Kinita, Anthony Kinita, Kane and the rest of Daezariah's whanu - nga mihi nui koutou! We couldn't have pulled it together without you. To the people who helped by providing gear, preparing vegetables, manpower, vegetables, expertise and time - kia ora!