Ngā mihi o Matariki, te tau hou Māori
Mānawatia a Matariki! Matariki is a time to remember the past; to celebrate with loved ones; honouring those who have passed and look to the future.
Including Matariki themes in our school curriculum has been a feature since 2022, and this year was no exception, with learning areas having topics in the lead-up to Matariki. It was brilliant that this year we were able to recognise Matariki with a hangi feast, evening performances and fire sculpture.
A big thank you to everyone involved – planning, contributing time, donating, preparing and cooking kai (food), and to whānau and members of our community who were able to join us on Thursday 27 June.
Special thanks to the team of taiohi who dug the hangi pit, and to Wayne Whitney, Charles Corey, Shannon Paki, Triff, John and the Rev’d Brendan Wilkinson who joined from 3.30 am on Thursday to start the fire and prepare the umu (earth oven) to cook our kai.
Another special thanks to Te Kura Tuatahi o Te Kauaeranga (Thames South School) for their generous lending of the irons, sacking and sheets for the umu. The iron food baskets for the hangi were made possible by a grant from The Seagull Centre in 2023.
We will look to build further on these events as we honour Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge and understanding).
Michael Hart
Tumuaki / Principal
