JGeeks - NZGT Grand Final Performance

So this term we have to construct, rehearse and polish a 'Performing Art's' Master piece. The theme for this extravaganza is 'Lets Make Music,' and we have 10 minutes to dazzle the audience with your brilliance. Performing Arts incorporates Dance, Drama, Wearable Arts and usually has shorter than normal segments. The J-Geeks are a shining example of what is possible. It would be neat to build in our Rongomaiwahine culture with this performance. So put your thinking hats on peeps!!!

Rongomaiwahine News 2.

2014 - Sir Peter Blake Young Leaders Award

A massive congratulations who was the recipient (and so deserving) of the Sir Peter Blake Young Leaders award for 2014. Te Mahia School voted their supreme leader earlier in the year and it was exciting to have Tania from Westpac Bank come and present the  award.

The criteria for selection/winning that the leader must possess and be developing includes...

•      Integrity;
•      Determination and the will to succeed;
•      Be a good team builder, leader and member;
•      Be hard working; and
•      Know how to have fun!

 Tegan is exactly all above and I am so proud of her achievements to date. She has an exciting future ahead of her and I am certain leadership is going to be a natural attribute she pushes to the limit. How awesome to have her whanau at our assembly as well. Ka may the wehi

Wairoa District Inter-School Science Fair 2014

People, you need to know we have some very clever scientists at our school. Congratulations to Ryan, Manaia, Kaedyn and Rongomai - 3rd place in year 1&2. Congratulations to Awhina, Hineira, Rebecca, Montana, Keylia & Mem - 2nd place in year 3&4. Congratulations to Tia, Patricia & Shanelle - 2nd place in year 5&6. Congratulations to Joedy, Jack, Kalani and Jah - 2nd place in year 7&8. We were lucky to travel into town this morning to view all of the exhibits from the 13 schools in the Wairoa District. Too much Mahitians!!

Matariki Celebrations

Wow - what an amazing week we have had, (apart from this terrible bug going around). Te Matau A Maui visiting Te Mahia School on Monday was the start of our week. We found out more about why the waka was built, the many different parts of the world it has sailed, how the crew learn to navigate and traditional tikanga and kawa involved. A community hui was then held on Monday night sharing more korero. Tuesday morning, our day started at 9am with a powhiri at Tuahuru Marae. Nga Awa, Nga Maunga and Nga Marae were all spoken about by community people. After lunch, the children then chose their workshop they wanted to be involved in: Mirimiri, Harakeke, Rewana Bread, Arts and Crafts, Maths, Te Reo, Manutukutuku. After afternoon tea, we heard stories from our Nanny's and Koro about a wide range of topics. After a scrumptious dinner, we once again heard from the Waka Crew. The night concluded with toasting marhsmallows and a fireworks display.



Wednesday saw us flying our kites early in the morning and looking out for the seven sisters sparkling in the sky. After a massive cleanup at Tuahuru, we headed around to Mahia Beach to board Te Matau A Maui.



What an amazing couple of days where our school, kohanga and community came together to celebrate a very special time of the year. To those people that gave a koha of putea, food or your time, thank you so very much. Our Whanau Advisory Groups Members, Whaea Rach and Whaea Julie wanted this experience to happen for our tamariki and how lucky are we it did. To Aunty Vienna who took charge of the menu and the kitchen, we were so spoilt. Thank you Miss Grover for doing the massive grocery shop. To our whanau that carried out the powhiri, thank you. Uncle Wigs and Uncle Jacko were our local fire brigade volunteers who ensured everyones safety while down on the beach. To Te Matau A Maui Waka Crew who came and shared your knowledge and expertise, we all felt extremely honored and privileged to have you with us. And all of our whanau that supported, encouraged and helped our tamariki have a memorable time - TOO MUCH!!!

Waka Te Matau a Maui Promo

Opoutama Wetlands

So this morning in Paradise, we were outside in the glorious sun. Ian, Grace, Jack and Jahson had been down yesterday and laid all the plants out ready to go. In our teams of 3, we had a digger, a fertisler and a planter person.  Our teams were pumping.  We were going so hard out in our teams that we managed to plant 1,500 plants in an hour and a half. The Wetlands entrance is going to look spectacular very soon. The new fencing, planting, drive that is going to be limestoned, new sign, and picnic tables. It is going to be an enjoyable place all of us can visit.  Kia ora to all of the whanau that came with us today - Cherie, Jason, Te Ara, Tamyra, Hose, and Ali D.  A massive thanks to Ian and Grace for all of your outstanding efforts that are tireless and ongoing - YOU GUYS ROCK!!!