College celebration of Matariki

WEDNESDAY, June 19 marks our very first kaupapa where our kura and representitives from Aotahi (Chalet Bidois and Xavier Turner) alongside our Noho Committee and team leader (Whaea Amana), planned a new initiative of learning beyond the classroom.
Day 1: Go Bus transported the juniors followed by our seniors to our local Napinapi Marae.
The students are embracing the tikanga within the marae and our external providers have been welcomed on. The students are currently in their chosen activities.
A popular option is Hāngi prep. Led by Matua Amai and Whaea JoAnne with help from local parents (Hera Muraahi, Corey Barnsdall, Paiaka Muraahi, Patea Muraahi, and Rob Young).
Pūniu River Care, our 2nd option, giving a hands-on workshop about caring for our waterways and propagating seeds found around the marae.
Our third activity, we have Daniel Ormsby and his daughter Kiana who are experts in Mahi Toi. Our students paired up to complete some Māori artwork on canvas.
Lastly we had the Harakeke, lead by Whaea Rauora Rauputu and Whaea Ripeka. From gathering and preparing the flax to making a range of Putiputi.
Our year 7, 8 and 9 students not staying over will return back to kura to catch the bus home. We have a few students from Yr 9 - 13 spending the night with staff. Tonight we hope to share stories and waiata under the stars, and hopefully a good sleep.
Day 2: And we are back on site at Napinapi Marae. An early start for our Hāngi pit ‘crew’, slight delay with breakfast then off to kura to pick the rest of the kura up before the hīkoi up Kahuwera maunga. A brisk walk with a chilly wind, a kōrero from Simon Muraahi, and then back to the marae for our shared hākari.
A huge thanks to Napinapi Pā and the Committee, Chalet Bidois, Xavier Turner, Rob Young for your āwhina towards our kaupapa.
[SOURCE: Piopio College Facebook page]