The "Wero"

Mr Werder represented the manuhiri during our amazing visit to Te Hana Te Ao Marama. He had to pick up a "wero" as a sign of peace offering to the tangata whenua. For Maori, this is the traditional way of determining whether visitors to a Marae came in peace or with hostile intentions.

Culture Day 2012

We celebrated 'Culture Day' by showing off our cultural uniforms. Before interval, the whole school paraded around the courts to show them off. At lunchtime, some of us even got to do our cultural dance. Well done everyone!

Te Paea: A Biography - By Charlotte

Some of my ancestors are Maori. I am a descendent of Raukawa and Kauwhata. Raukawa are of the Tainui Waka. Kauwhata are the Arawa Waka. There are many chiefs in my family tree. The chief closely related to me was called Te Paea. Te Paea was born between 1775 and 1800. He was a maori chief. He lived in various parts of the North Island and sometimes on the Kapiti Island. Te Paea is my great, great, great, great, great Grandfather. He died between 1863 and 1867. The above photo is one of Te Paea's daughters, Rangiuira (Rakera).

Our Lenten Promise

The season of Lent lasts 40 days. These are the 40 days that Jesus was in the desert. He was hungry, and tempted. As Catholics, this is a time when we pray, fast, and give alms. It is a time to sacrifice, repent, and reflect. Room 15 children have been writing about their lenten promise...what's yours?

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Te Hana Te Ao Marama

Last Friday, the Year 4 Syndicate visited Te Hana Te Ao Marama. We were welcomed onto the marae followed by a whaikorero (speeches) then some kai. We were then escorted through to the traditional Maori village. It felt as though we were back in time...back in the 1800's. Mr Werder was challenged by the rangatira (chief) and kindly accepted the wero (a fern) on our behalf. The syndicate walked around the marae/pa and were entertained by a kapa haka group. The children responded to the group with a waiata. Prior to leaving, we all said a karakia (prayer). What a fantastic day!!! A special thank you to the parents/caregivers who assisted with supervision and transportation. Tino pai everyone.