Kia Ora (Hello) everyone!
Tara (T. Banks) Cherwony, here to tell you all about our amazing stay with the Maori! October 28th was the day we started our stay at the Rongomaraeroa Marae, but our fisrt stop was the Porangahau festival. We spent the afternoon relaxing with the locals, trying new foods, and checking out local art creations. We met Ahuriri who organzined our stay at the Marae (communal sleeping area), and his niece Grace, who slept in the Marae with us. Before heading back to the Marae, we learned a welcoming song that we were going to be singing. The welcoming ceremony into the Marae, was amazing. We sang, they sang, and then we all lined up and were greeted by a handshake and instead of a kiss, we touched noses. That night, we did a getting to know you activity with Ahuriri, Grace, her family, and Allen. We told them about where we were from and what we were looking forward to during our time at the Marae, then they told us about themselves. The next day, we spent the morning at the Te Paerahi beach, and the rest of the day learning to weave pouches made out of flax with Maureen (Allen’s wife). Some of us had some trouble making the pouches, while others excelled in the craft, but we all successfully wove and created a pouch! Before going to bed, Ahuriri started to teach us a welcoming Haka (traditional Maori song and dance) . Our third day at the Marae, we went on a hike to see the longest place name in New Zealand (TAUMATAWHAKATANGIHANGAKOAUAUOTAMATEATURIPUKAKAPIKIMA-UNGAHORONUKUPOKAIWHENUAKITANATAHU). It not only is the name of the mountain, but also tells a story within the 85 letters! We ate our packed lunches, practiced the Haka, sang a few songs, and said a prayer before heading back down the mountain. It was a beautiful day, so after getting back to the Marae, we had our weekly meeting outside, and our leaders of the week, Bailly and Beans, lead a bucket list activity. The rest of the day was spent getting to know Ahuriri, Allen, and others at the Marae better, and then practicing our Haka before bed with Colin Martin taking on the role as the lead caller. October 31st, was a fun filled day and of course we celebrated Halloween! The first half of the day, we volunteered at the community garden, and the second half of the day, we went down to the local school. At the school, we chatted with the students, learned a new game called Pukana, and played a softball game. For our Halloween celebration, we all got dressed up, and had a bake-off. Some costumes included; The Crazy Horse Gang (from the movie “Boy” which we watched at the farm), cowboys, hippies, and each other. Later in the evening, the students along with other local children came to the Marae and we set up bobbing for apples, limbo, and freeze dance for them. We were so excited that we were able to bring a tradition from home and share it here, especially at the Marae because they love learning all about our traditions just as we love learning about theirs. Our last full day at the Marae, was definately an exciting one! We spent the morning cleaning and setting up for a health fair that would be taking place later in the afternoon. Around 11am, we put our hard work to the test and performed the Haka as part of the welcoming ceremony to welcome those attending the health fair. What was even more special about this welcome ceremony was that, we got to be the welcomers instead of the ones being welcomed! In the afternoon, we went to the Parimahu beach to catch some kai (seafood) which would also be our dinner. We caught Puau (Abalone), Kina (Sea Urchin), and Clams. Back at the Marae, we got to watch how to deep fry Puau, and some brave souls tried Kina tongue! After dinner, we got together with everyone to have our farewell ceremony. They sang us songs and said a prayer, then we presented them with our homestay gifts, and did an appreciation circle. November 2nd, we got all packed up, had a very nice goodbye breakfast, and said our goodbyes before heading off to Wellington!
Our time at the Marae is an experience, that we will never forget. Their traditions are unique, and their sense of community is incredible! I know that many of us will evetually find our way back there in the years to come.
Right now, we are getting ready for our week of free travel in the South Island and then we are off to Sydney Australia!
Also, on behalf of the group, I would like to send some love to all of our family and friends currently in Hurricane Sandy territory- even though we are halfway across the world, you have been in our thoughts and prayers!!
Special shoutout to my awesome family, the Zinmans, and all of the other lovely people who check this blog daily!
Kia pai to ra (Have a nice day)!