What an amazing trip we had from start to finish. It was totally the "bomb" and everyone who was involved had a Mean Maori Mean time. It all started months ago with planning and organisation by the teachers, administration, staff and whanau. The actual thought for the trip came about several years before. All in all it was awesome! Nga mihi nui ki a Ma Cynthia and Whaea Nicky for allowing us to come into your ataahua marae and meet your lovely whanau. Nga mihi nui hoki ki a Whaea Sue Dawson and Matua Dudley and the BOT for supporting us in these wonderful experiences. The students will go away with many happy memories and moments. Tuwharetoa maranga mai!
Raapa - Te Ra Tuatahi
 |
| Karakia is of the up most importance. |
We were very privileged to have matua Alec start us off in prayer. We had all the support of our parents and TWA students and teachers join us in karakia. Whaea Sue Dawson gave a beautiful speech which set the tone for a wonderful trip.
 |
| Having all the whanau in support. Nga mihi nui! |
 |
| Everyone lends a hand in TWA with the luggage and food. Mauri ora! |
Our first stop was at Taupiri maunga. We shared korero about who was buried at the maunga and many students and teachers had whanau there. We talked about the Kingitanga and the Waikato river. We ended with a karakia. He piko he taniwha, He piko, he piko he taniwha.
 |
| Ko Taupiri te Maunga |
 |
| Hatu Patu's Rock |
After having kai at Cambridge, we traveled further on until we came to Hatu Patu's rock. There are a few versions of the korero and it was interesting to hear them. We gave a koha such as a leaf or fern and placed it in the rock for good luck and safe travels. Later, we sang waiata and did a haka.
 |
| Called on to the marae Pukawa |
When we arrived at Pukawa marae we were treated to some awesome Tuwharetoa hospitatlity. After the powhiri, we were given a lovely kai that hit the spot. Afterwards, we were given the history of Pukawa marae and the many stories of how the tribes of Aotearoa link to each other.
 |
Potatau Te Wherowhero the first Maori King
Pukawa is the place of where the first Maori king was decided. In all the carvings the major tribes of Aotearoa were represented from the far north to the south island. It was an awesome first day of our trip. |
