Year 8 Otakou Marae Experience

Rooms 1, 3, 5, 9 & 10 visited Otakou marae on Monday. They were welcomed by Komene and Paulette Cassidy who guided Tahuna students, staff and parents around the wharenui, urupa and church.

What a breath-taking setting Otakou Marae has. The stunning harbour and peninsula, native birds, bush and trees surround the beautiful marae and the sun shines down to greet everyone.

Our Year 8's were treated to a magnificent day, where Komene, Paulette and girls from Queens High shared their knowledge, aroha and experiences with us. The manaakitanga that was given to the two groups that visited the marae was outstanding.

Our students learnt about the powhiri process in Year 7 and furthermore in Year 8. It was truly an enriching experience to go through a powhiri on a marae as many students had never had that experience before. Our Year 8's sang the waiata 'Purea nei,' which was lead by Soana Pole. Mr Owen spoke on behalf of the manuhiri and Mr Wells gave the koha.

Students were taught how to make putiputi (flowers) with harekeke (flax). The tradition in Maori is to give away your first harekeke creation and because our students had all made something with harekeke before, they were able to take these home. 

The Urupa (cemetery) is behind Otakou Marae. It has a beautiful view across the harbour and peninsula. Steeped in rich history it was a wonderful experience to look through the head stones and see the family connections.

The church is no longer used primarily for services but can be visited by the public. It houses memorabilia for families connected to the marae and is ornately decorated with stained glass windows, tukutuku panels and wood carvings. Some families still use the church for special ceremonies.

We had a great time learning some traditional games. Ana Halalilo-Rouvi assisted with these and had the students laughing and excited throughout the session. We made rakau (sticks) in the workshop at school and brought these out to the marae to play more traditional games.

The whole day was filled with fun and knowledge. The students and adults had a wonderful time and I felt proud that we could give our rangatahi this experience.

Ko te manu e kai ana i te miro, nona te ngahere, engari

ko te manu e kai ana i te matauranga, nona te ao!

The one who partakes in flora and fauna that will be their domain.

The one who engages in education opportunities are boundless.