Te Pātaka o rākaihautū

Our first Haerenga of 2020 was in the last weekend of September.  We connected with and explored two significant areas of Te Pātaka o Rakaihautū (Banks Peninsula).  Onuku Marae and Te Mata Hāpuku (Birdlings Flat).  We were able to connect some of our whānau with their whakapapa through our connection with Onuku Marae.  There were significant moments together, the highlight being when we all were able to stand and present our Pepeha (supported and guided by one of our Matua, Nichol-Lewis).

The next day we said farewell to Onuku and travelled back to Te Mata Hāpuku.  This is a geographically unique place at which you can find some of the most amazing kohatu washed up on the beach.  This was the maiden journey for the new Pounamu carving truck.  Whānau were able to practice their carving skills on this truck as well as connect with a local bone carving artist, The Bone Dude: John Fraser.

Nei rā te mihi ki a kōrua, Karaweko rāua ko Amiria Puhiriri! Onuku....Karanga mai!