He Korowai Whānau initiative to revitalise reo in our hapū culminated in a te reo and waka fun day on 13 October, on the Karitane foreshore. A large number of whānau, as well as local community members, turned up at the old school for the initial briefing and mihi mihi were exchanged. Brendan shared a kōrero about Takaroa and the rōpū learned the names of the waka, Hauteruruku.
Then it was down to the water to learn about water safety. Brendan carried out a karakia and after that is was all on. A fun (wet) day was had by all. A lunch barbecue was put on with salads, thanks to Aroha. Then it was back in the water, with ferry trips to the ‘spit’. Everyone is keen to do it again soon, so we have pencilled in a date for February next year. A big thank you to Kiri Fraser from the He Korowai Whānau Committee, Tori Campbell from Kotahi Mano Kāika (KMK) and Brendan and Suzi Flack of Hauteruruku ki Puketeraki.
Brendan Flack gives a kōrero on water safety.
Participants lining up to get in the water at the Te Reo and Waka Fun Day.