Our Local Marae

Yesterday the High Flyers of Rowandale School journeyed down to our local Marae. We went there to learn more about our fantastic culture. It was so exciting. It was my second time there, so I knew where everything was. 

Firstly, we bounced onto the bus and took an extraordinary bus ride to the beautiful Marae. Next, we got dropped off at the Marae. As we arrived, I nudged Nemiah's shoulder and whispered "this brings back memories doesn't it?" It really did. We were welcomed on to the Marae with a Powhiri. After that we were told a story about two brothers called Tamapahore and Tamapahure. They were always trying to be better than the other. So one day, one brother built a hulking kite, the other brother being so jealous cut the string and sent it soaring away.

The most interesting thing of the trip was going into the Wharenui and doing the activities. Because, when you had to search the Wharenui for objects on a piece of paper, it was like the 'Amazing Race'. Once you had completed that obstacle, you moved on to the next one, which was drawing. That was the thing that I found most interesting at our local Marae.

My favourite part was going on the Hikoi (Maori word for bush walk), it was astonishing to see the thousands of Mangroves growing in the river. We kept on journeying up the steep hill. I then glimpsed something out of the corner of my eye... Teeny tiny black lizards were scurrying behind the rocks. That was my favourite part of the Marae trip.

Written and published by Tevita Patrick

Winged Warriors learning about Matukutureia and Matukutururu.