Te Tahawai Marae

Te Tahawai Marae

On a beautiful Monday Morning we went to Te Tahawai Marae for a visit . When I got out of the bus, I noticed a dead cat on the road and I was afraid to go near it . I went inside and saw there was Edgewater school near it . As we waited outside the Waharoa , We saw a girl and a boy acting silly outside . Then a lady named Brenda welcomed us inside the marae and we took of our shoes and entered . Then we started off with speeches . They spoke first,then we responded back  .Then we gave the koha . It wasn’t a donation it was a gift  . Then we sang . After we sang we did the hongi  and then washed our hands . We went into the wharekai  and ate biscuits and water . After that  we split into two groups the Year 7 and 8 girls went with the Year 6  boys . I went with the Year 5 and 6 girls . We learned about how sacred are Marae is and learned about the ancestors .  Then we learnt Te Tahawai Marae means  Edgewater  Marae  and they taught us that the marae isn’t just for Maori’s but it is for everyone . Then we drew the ancestors and mihi it . Then we went to do the other activity with Brenda . She taught us kowhaiwhai  all about koru’s .Then last of all Brenda gave us a poi each . She told us how to use it and not to hit each other . We spread out and did a song and dance with the poi . Finally we had to thank them and say goodbye . We put on our shoes and went back to school . I enjoyed  going to the Marae .

By:Tino