Awakeri School

Wairaka Marae stay 2008
The whole school went to stay, or visit Wairaka Marae, 18 - 21 November

The seniors that stayed the night went on a bush walk to Toi's Pa. On the way up was a vertigraph, which was a few tiles on each step that formed a picture as you walked up the track. It is probably the first in the world!!	At Toi's pa at the top of the hill there was an amazing view! "Look I can see my house from here!"
In the Wharekai, the eating room, there were lots of murals on the walls that told many stories. This is one of them. Mr Hawkes told some of the seniors this story. When the juniors came, the seniors could retell it to them, or make another one up. Can you guess what this story is about?	As part of the welcome on, Everyone would shake hands. They would line up, boys first followed by the girls. After this the hosts would give a biscuit and a drink to everyone who was being welcomed on.
Siri Riini is our Te Reo teacher and she was teaching the children to make flax flowers. For a lot of children this was their first time at this.	Wairaka was a Maori woman who saved the Maatatua waka, which brought her and her tribe to New Zealand. Her Aunty Muriwai, lived in this cave. When she died she made the cave a very sacred place. It wasn't until later years that you could look inside. Because it is still a special place, you wash your hands after you come out.
When you come on the marae you are welcomed on and a boy gives a speech. Representing rooms 12, 7, and 6 was Joshua.	After a speech the rest of the group sing a song. This group is singing 'Taku Rakau'.
"...Haere mai ra, e nga tamariki, nga kaiako, nga matua e..." "...Karanga mai ra, anei matou te whanau o Awakeri e..." This is the start of the welcome on.	The seniors had to take the juniors to do some activities. One of them was to make up some dance moves to a song they knew. This groups got some cool dance moves like the Mexican wave!
Another activity was little games like this one, string games. Shane and his partner are following the instructions.	Everyone did art to do with the wharenui. Like looking at the carvings and patterns.
These are the rakau sticks. Kelsei and Abbey are demonstrating for their group.	CATCH!! Will he catch the rakau sticks? Zac and his partner Lochie are practising the rakau sticks.
This is the art outside the Wharenui. Do you notice something strange about the female carving closest to you?	Here are the younger children doing some art.
Here is Muriwai's cave but this time it's got a lot more people here!	The seniors that stayed the night had to do dishes after the meals. Kurt, Clive, Renko and Tessa are doing a great job!