I TE TAKUTAI KI KĀ MAUKA - FROM THE COAST TO THE MOUNTAINS

Māori have traversed the lands of Ōtākou for centuries, residing in settlements around and along the harbour, utilising bountiful nature as both a resource and a companion on their remarkable journeys. Place names along the coast and inland valleys record Te Rabuwai, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu history. In week three of next term, starting at Rakiātea/Whakahekerau (St Kilda/St Clair) and finishing at Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Main Divide of the Southern Alps), our wānanga rangatira (leadership camp) will follow the water that flows east to it's source. 

Along this four-day journey, students from Year 10 Māori Studies will be learning about Māori history, whakapapa (genealogy) and pūrākau (stories) that have been placed on the land. Tāhuna (Glenorchy) will be our base as we explore ancient pounamu (greenstone trails) and live under the shadow of an iconic mauka — Pikrakatahi (Mt Earnslaw). Getting into te taiao (nature) is good for the soul and we are fortunate in Ōtākou to have wonderful mountains, rivers and lakes to learn about and enjoy that are steeped in stories and legends, each holding a unique place in Māori history and culture. Nō reira, whāia te iti kahuraki, ki te tuoho koe, me he mauka teitei (In closing, pursue that which is precious, if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain).

BY MATUA LUCAS