Kia Ora Tatou katoa
E mihi Atu ki to Tatou matua I te Rangi
Nana nei I hanga nga mea katoa
Kia whakapainia te ingoa
Ka mihi atu ki nga tini mate I hinga tonu nei I waenganui a Tatou
Puta noa I te motu, E tangi ana te ngakau, e rere ana nga roimata
E nga mate Haere haere haere atu ra
Kia ora te whanau
As the end of year creeps closer and we start to turn our attention to 2013 it seems timely that I provide an update on what has been happening at our Marae Hau Ariki.
We are currently reviewing our marae complex, identifying the pro’s and con’s attached to whether we choose to repair or replace. At the moment it looks like the wharekai Ko Nga Waka a Kupe will need some serious repair work or even replacing. A full report on this is expected by the end of December ready for final decisions to be made in early 2013.
Noho Marae (staying on the marae)
From the 28th to 30th November 110 pupils and 25 staff/parents from Maungaraki School will be staying at Hau Ariki marae. Yes that’s right we are all going to try and sleep in the whare tipuna for 3 days and 2 nights – awesome ay!
We have prepared an assortment of traditional activities including Harakeke weaving and games. We will also be sharing stories about our marae, our ancestors and waiata.
About 95% of these visitors have never been to, let along stayed on, a marae. So we have a wonderful opportunity to showcase Hau Ariki as a friendly, welcoming, teaching place where all are welcome.
This is just one example of our marae committee’s commitment to making our customs, language, marae accessible to all.
If you would like to find out more about our marae, how to go about staying there and what process you need to follow then please don’t hesitate to contact us – this place should be enjoyed by all.
Last but not least I hope you all have a safe, relaxing Xmas and a Happy new year.
Ma te wa
Greg Hawkins
