The Korako-Karetai whānau held a wānanga at Ōtākou over Labour Weekend. Over 60 whānau attended and the weather was lovely. Tawhiri Matea held off until just after we all left.
Whānau participated in whakapapa and harakeke workshops, while tamariki played in the beautiful grounds of the marae. Alan Harnett came along to teach us a thing or two about bone carving. The tamariki were fascinated and stoked when Alan presented every one of them with their very own taonga. Thanks Alan.
The food was amazing, kōura (crayfish), pākirikiri (blue cod), tuna (eel) and some very delicious heihei (chicken). Debbie Williams along with Gail and Justin Thompson, were the most skilful and good humoured ringa wera – an example to us all.
Over the weekend whānau made two special trips out to Pukekura. One on the Saturday night to see kororā (little blue penguin) come ashore on Takiharuru (Pilots Beach) and another on Sunday morning to climb the hill and see the toroa (albatross) cruising above the headland, before heading back down to Takiharuru for a planting mission.
The whānau have been working with the Otago Peninsula Trust and Air New Zealand on a plan to regenerate the whenua there to its former glory providing a revitalised environment for everyone – especially the wildlife. Thanks to Pukekura and Otago Peninsula Trusts and especially Mary Laurenson our very own hilltop kaitiaki.
An enormous kia ora must go to Natalie Karaitiana and the team at the beautiful Ōtākou Marae. We had a wonderful, easy stay, and felt very safe and relaxed. Thanks also to Bill Karaitiana for facilitating proceedings; and to Anna Gorham and her lovely daughters for leading the harakeke workshop. Most of all kia ora to the whānau who made it this time. Thanks for bringing yourselves, your kaumātua and your tamariki – especially the gorgeous pēpi.
Hei whakatepe noa i ēnei kōrero ko tā mātou takarure i ngā mihi ā mātou ake ki a koutou i haere mai nei i wīwī, i wāwā ki te kawe mai i ō koutou whakaaro ki tō tātou māpihi maurea. To conclude this account a reiteration of our own thanks to all who came from scattered places to convey your ideas about our treasure. If you would like to receive our weekly e-panui, please email [email protected].
From left, Saffron, Tai, Magnus, Izzy, Tuari, Kerofern, Jordan, Storm, Talia, Ada, Girvan, Kaydiah, Abby and Tahlia Christiansen.
Alan Harnett with fascinated tamariki and Anna Kemp.
Tāua Dierdre Carroll and tāua Mary Laurenson.
Makareta and Katerina Coote.
Bill Karaitiana.
Storm and Tahlia Christiansen.
Gisele Laven and Magnus.