by Marc Gibson

Kōtuku's visit to Te Pā o Moki

Last week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Kōtuku Learning space went to visit Te Pa o Moki in Taumutu

This term in Kōtuku we have been learning about what makes us and our community special. We have been looking at ourselves, school and our wider community. For part of this learning, we headed out to Taumutu to visit Te Pā o Moki to learn more about our area and marae. It was an amazing three days and all groups had fun and all had a slightly different experience.

Image by: Marc Gibson

Once we arrived Fiona (Tangata Whenua) performed a Mihi Whakatau to welcome us. We all introduced ourselves through our Pepeha before sharing kai together. Following this we learnt about different stories about our area and what makes it so special.

Image by: Marc Gibson

In the afternoon the groups had a different focus. The Monday group were looking at different patterns seen in Māori art. On Tuesday they looked at different native plants in the area. For Wednesday they explored the other Pā site which now has a very old church on it.

Image by: Marc Gibson

Following on from our experiences out at the Marae the learners have been going deep into our understanding and new learnings. Check out what some had to say below:

I learned that the tuna (eels) bite each other's tails and they then in a shape of a wheel. They then roll into the sea.

I learned about the Korowai patterns, they have some swirls, koru's, they were green, black, blue, yellow, brown etc

I learned that Rākaihautū walked with a stick and when he put the stick down there would be water.

I learnt that they put sand on the tuna (eels) to stop them from being slimy!

I learned that after the female tuna (eels) lay the eggs they die.

I learnt that the tuna (eels) don't eat for three months.

I learnt that tuna (eels) don't like hot-cross buns!

Image by: Marc Gibson

We want to give a special shout out to the parents that came on the trip with us. We couldn't have done it without you.