OUR TRIP TO REHUA MARAE BY GROUP 5

Yesterday we left on a bus at nine o’clock to go to Rehua Marae. When we reached our destination, we lined up and slowly walked towards the Marae. We heard a Whaea calling us in.This is called a karanga.It sounded like she was crying. Mrs Parker replied to her. We took our shoes off respectfully and carefully entered the Marae and were stunned at the tukutuku panels and the kowhaiwhai patterns around the walls.

Next there was a Powhiri which is a welcoming ceremony done by the Tangata Whenua. One of the senior women then told us a little bit of the history of the Marae. Then WhunDaa said a Karakia and we went to the Whare Kai to have something to eat and drink.

Afterwards we had a couple of minutes of play and went home. We all enjoyed this experience and plan to visit in the future.

Kristyl Learnt: Every Kowhaiwhai pattern represents one Maori tribe. Also that the Marae was built in 1960 by North Islanders for men and women that came to work here.

Tayjuan Learnt: Men always protected the women for the sake of generations and future.

Railynnetta Learnt: There is one special Kowhaiwhai pattern that was found in a cave that is found only in the South Island of New Zealand. Also there are photos of the ancestors placed on a special table and wall at the front of the Marae (inside).