Mission Bay Kindergarten and Grey Lynn Kindergarten were very fortunate to visit the whare tūpuna of Ōrākei Marae, Tumutumuwhenua.

We gathered at the Tomokanga (entrance), with the wahine and mokopuna at the front, then the protectors or tāne at the back. Then, we were invited onto the marae ātea (the domain of Tūmatauenga).

The haukainga (people of the marae) started with a karanga (call) as they stood by the mahau (veranda). Pandy Hawke called back alongside us the manuhiri (visitors), walking slowly to the marae. We were all welcomed with respect and dignity.

As we walked up to the mahau, we demonstrated our understanding of tikanga by removing our shoes before entering the marae.

Inside the whare, Pandy guided us to our seats within the domain of Rongomātāne. The tāne sat at the front while the wahine and mokopuna sat behind, listening attentively to kaumatua Nick Hawke, as he spoke in Te Reo Māori.

During the whaikōrero, we observed the powerful waiata of the haukainga whānau, which represents their sense of belonging and connection to the land. Our response, placing down a koha in front of the haukainga and singing ‘Te Aroha’ by Morvin Te Anatipa Simon, showed our respect and reciprocity, as well as acknowledging Pandy’s uncle who wrote the waiata.

We enjoyed listening to ngā tamariki from Te Puna Reo performing waiata. Then, we also joined in a waiata with the poi.

We then took a moment to explore the marae architecture, as we laid on our backs and gazed up at the different features including the intricate patterns and carvings.

Afterwards, we had shared kai at the wharekai then we sang Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi to Pandy and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei with heartfelt gratitude for this great privilege to visit Tumutumuwhenua.

During the whaikōrero, we observed the powerful waiata of the haukainga whānau, which represents their sense of belonging and connection to the land. Our response, placing down a koha in front of the haukainga and singing ‘Te Aroha’ by Morvin Te Anatipa Simon, showed our respect and reciprocity, as well as acknowledging Pandy’s uncle who wrote the waiata.

We enjoyed listening to ngā tamariki from Te Puna Reo performing waiata. Then, we also joined in a waiata with the poi.

We then took a moment to explore the marae architecture, as we laid on our backs and gazed up at the different features including the intricate patterns and carvings.

Afterwards, we had shared kai at the wharekai then we sang Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi to Pandy and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei with heartfelt gratitude for this great privilege to visit Tumutumuwhenua.