Korohe Marae Visit

Mana (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 9, 27 October 1977, Page 7

Korohe Marae Visit

During the August holidays, a group of about 72 children and eight adults went on a trip to Korohe marae, Turangi. Here is a , combined account by Donna Lauese and Jonathan Jones. We arrived at Korohe Marae, at ten past four. A strange thing happened when we first stepped off the bus, a beautiful rainbow appeared in front of us and it started to rain. When the welcome was over, the rain stopped. The Kaumatua (Elder) said it was “Rain of Welcome.” We were then invited to select our beds and given dinner afterwards. On the first night, the small children were sent to bed while the older ones and the adults of our group gave a concert. The Maoris of this marae were to be our friends for the next few days. So far • hospitality was marvellous. The rest of our stay was spent visiting the Tokaanu Domain Thermal pools (and swimming in it) watching films on Tongariro power supply scheme, and of

Turangi, the old and the new age, visiting the Museum, the Kaimanawa forest park, the Rotoaira forest, McDonald's Redoubt, Camp Poutu built 1869, a hike through the bush

to Lake Rotopaunamu, a experience for most of us on Television, a visit to the Chateau — to the snowy mountains, and horse riding. The highlight of all these was the hospitality shown by the tangata whenua of this marae, the Tuwharetoa

people. The cosy little Maori carved meeting house was our haven for 10 days. We were very sad to leave, and as is Maori custom, we exchanged our farewell speeches and sang songs. Then it was back to Auckland — the big smoke!