We choose this local beach as there are safe rock pools to explore and a big Pohutukawa tree to play on. There is also a legend relating to the tree, we include this into our program to enhance and extend our bi-cultural commitment.
A long time ago a man named Manawatere arrived on Cockle bay beach shores. He wanted to let other people know he had been there so he dipped his thumb into ochre (red clay) and placed his thumb print on a large Pohutukawa tree. From that day on the tree produces brilliant red flowers around Christmas time.
We re-tell this story to the children before our excursion and talk about what we might find at the beach.
On the day, teachers, children and their whanau meet at the beach to explore the shores and rock pools looking for sea creatures, seagulls, seaweed and shells.
Children explore the big Pohutukawa tree, crawling under it's big long branches and climbing along them.
This was also a good time to re-tell the Manawatere legend and a good opportunity to teach children how to respect and care for our environment.
Later, we all sat down for a picnic on the beach.
Thanks for joining us.