We introduced kapa haka kaiako, Te Rua Mason, into our fusion wānanga during the July school holidays. At our monthly rūnanga hui he asked our kaumātua and whānau what they would like to see their tamariki learn more about. The answer that came back was –whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga and whakapapa.
Each morning the wānanga began with karakia, hīmene and pepeha and finished with games, karakia and hīmene. On the first day they went on a hīkoi to the Arahura awa, where they learned about the Poutini and Waitaiki legend. Kaiako Miriama and Te Rua then split the tamariki into groups team leaders to build their own pā. All four teams built their pā according to early traditions.
The following day our tamariki got down to business and worked hard learning new waiata and kanikani; and on the fourth day, they went on a hīkoi to Māwhera to see X Factor finalist Jackie Thomas. Our tamariki had painted banners, showing their tautoko for Jackie. They were all so well behaved our kaiako treated them to kai afterwards.
At the end of a fantastic week we had a presentation day to showcase what the Fusion tamariki had learned. A big mihi to kaiako Miriama and Te Rua for all the hard mahi they put into the wānanga and waiata ātaahua; and to Chantal for wicked hip hop moves; to Nelly for all the yummy kai cooked each day; and as usual a big mihi to our meke Fusion tamariki for just being you and bringing your great attitude each day.
Looking forward to the next wānanga – and we may even introduce a bit of waka ama too. Ngā mihi to all our kaumātua and whānau who attended the presentation day.
Our tamariki show their support for Jackie Thomas.
Our tamariki painting river stones and learning their pepeha.
Kaiako Te Rua Mason takes the tamariki for waiata practice.