It was with much appreciation that Te Puna Matauranga welcomed the support of Whānau in organising two-days of events for Te Kauri, our Yr 5 - 8 Akonga, at the National Waka Hourua Festival - Te Hau Kōmaru. The Festival was held at the Tauranga Marina.

Day One: our Tauira got to witness four waka hourua enter the harbour met by the Takitimu waka and two waka tete (waka for wahine).

Day Two: Te Kauri returned to participate in workshops.  They learned about the star compass; how to read it and how it was used in wayfinding and navigation.  They were shown how to raise and lower sails, different paddle techniques and got to go on the waka hourua "Haunui". They learned whakapapa, history, and journey of the waka and were privileged to tour the waka, having a look at all the different areas right down to the sleeping area and toilet.  For this Education Outside the Classroom experience, our tamariki were respectful and engaged as they learned the history of how our Tupuna came to Aotearoa.Ngā Mihi ki Te Puna i Rangiriri, Moana, Hepa, Waiaria, Raelene, Acon and Tiria.

Upon the children's return, Te Kauri spent the morning paying the privilege forward and taught Te Pihinga, Yr 3 - 4 Akonga, all they had retained.  

              "He rangi tā matawhāiti, he rangi tā matawhānui"

acknowledgement to Tiria Nicholas mo te korero, me whakaahua