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!!!

NYLD 2014 Medium

On Sunday I had the really cool job of taking our Year

8 Leaders to Rotorua. Jackie Kereru also took a car load and spent the two days
with us. On Sunday, we had a little bit of time for fun. The Gondola, Luge,
Jelly Bean Game, Aquatic Centre and Valentines for dinner, were all squeezed in
on Sunday once we arrived in Rotorua. Monday morning saw us arrive at the
Convention Centre where another 2000 students were also gathered. The theme for
this years conference was ‘3D’  We were
encouraged to live a 3D life where we Dare – Dream and - Develop.  There were 5 key speakers that all had a
different story to tell but common themes kept coming out. Allison Mooney,
Tamati Coffey, Ali Shanks, Cam Kolkoen and Paula Fatalata addressed the
audience. The Year 8’s learnt more about their personality and leadership
styles. We can’t change our personalities we are but we can build and develop
on the strengths we have. We were challenged to outline our Dreams for the
future and break it down into smaller steps with how we were going to achieve
them. The day was filled with inspiration, encouragement and instilled a belief
in us all that if we are prepared to put in the hard yards, great things will
happen. Please talk to our Year 8 Leaders and encourage them to explain to you what
they got out of the conference.  A
massive thanks to Waikaremoana Trust Board, Taiwhenua, Te Rangatahi o
Whakarewa, Mahia Maori Women’s Welfare League, and the Wairoa Mayor – Craig
Little who all provided a koha towards this conference. It was incredibly
generous and wouldn’t have been possible without your contributions. Kia ora!

Seven Stars of Matariki

Matariki Celebrations - Mahia Mai Tawhiti

40 Hour Famine

A massive achievement by our Year 8 Leaders who have just completed the 40 hour famine.  This project was initiated by our Rangatahi and completed because they wanted to give back to people and communities less fortunate than themselves. Tegan, Jahson, Joedy, Ocea, Ngaire, Shedarn and Kingi - YOU ROCK!!!