TE RĀ NUI KI WAHO

St Mary's Mosgiel brought their 'A game' yesterday when they visited the college for the day. Accompanied by teacher, Mrs Lisa Matheson, the enthusiastic Year 7 & 8 students got into their work straight away with a Kahoot learning challenge that was based around the kaupapa (topic) for the day - the historic Huriawa pā at Karitane. Huriawa means 'turning river' which gives reference to the Waikouaiti River and how it cut across the isthmus connecting the pā to the mainland. Originally inhabited by Kati Māmoe from the early 1700s, it was known as Pā-kataka and was not fortified until the arrival of the chief Te Wera. The combination of the peninsula's steep physical characteristics, access to the moana (sea) and ngā puna wai (freshwater springs) made this an ideal place to settle.

It was in the 1750s that Te Wera expanded the pā to become one of the strongest defensive pā's in Otago with evidence of palisades and defensive scarps. Waka were moored on Te Awa Mokihi (Butterfly Bay) and archaeological evidence suggest that Pā-a-Te Wera was intensely occupied up until the beginning of the 19th century. Huriawa repelled many attempts from invaders and perhaps the most famous siege was when Te Wera and his people survived a continuous six-month attack from a chief called Taoka and his tauā (war party).

Now back to Kavanagah College and our visitors were given the task of recreating the pā using Minecraft. After organising 'construction' teams, the highly-engaged students began. An hour later the group created a fortified pā, waka on Butterfly Bay, a village and many more authentic features. The group created something very special recreation of the pā, and demonstrated real-world skills such as planning, problem solving, perseverance and collaboration.

Another highlight of the day was in the laboratories for the afternoon learning session. HOD Science, Mrs Kerron Thomson and our manuhiri (visitors) explored the cardiopulmonary system and used a deer heart to demonstrate how this amazing system works. The day was also made a success by our Year 7 mentors who showed excellent leadership and manaakitanga. 

A huge thank-you to Feile Ryan, Chloe Uluakiola, Isabella McEntyre, Ryan Webb, Kelvin Cotezano, Levi Simpson, Julia Lee, Olivia Lester and Lucia Jack. 

In week eight we welcome St Mary's Kaikorai and Te Kura o Manawa Tapu (Sacred Heart).
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