Wainuiomata children at Raetihi Marae

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 27, 26 November 1985, Page 10

Wainuiomata children at Raetihi Marae

Learning the customs of maraes on a ten-day tour last week were 72 children from Wainuiomata Intermediate School who stayed for a night at the Raetihi Marae. The children make up the bi-cultural syndicate of the school, called Te Kahui Tamariki. They began their tour of maraes in Wellington and

from there travelled to Hawkes Bay, Gisborne, Opokiti and finally to Raetihi. Head teacher on the trip and deputy principal of the school, Phil Cope, said the trip has given the children a chance to see the area and experience the ethical customs on a marae. Although a trip of this nature was done every two years, Mr Cope said that this was the most extensive yet. One of the most noticeable differences between the Raetihi Marae and other maraes is the Wanganui River dialect of Maori which is spoken, said Mr Cope. "It has been good for the children to hear the different

dialect and its been an experience for the adults as well," he said. On Monday evening, the children performed songs, hakas, poi dances and choral singing which was appreciated by the people of the Raetihi Marae. Because of the strong parent support group at Wainuiomata Intermediate, the children who went on the trip did not have to pay anything towards it and were given $20 spending money, said Mr Cope. Four teachers and 12 adults also came with the pupils. "The marae has been very comfortable and the people very welcoming," Mr Cope said of the Raetihi Marae.