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. [Read more…]