We were welcomed by whaea (aunty) Karen and as we approached Te Whare Matariki, whaea Rose performed the powhiri karanga, (traditional Māori welcome) before we were invited inside. Once inside the whare we listened to mihi, (traditional introductions) and waiata, (songs) from Matua Hemi. Then Patrick’s dad, Murray, responded in Māori, with Raewyn and Saira also saying their mihi, Murray then gave a koha, (gift) to whaea Karen. All our tamariki sang our special waiata, “Te Aroha,” which sounded beautiful.
After the welcome ceremony we enjoyed delicious kai, (morning tea) then explored the beautiful ngahere, (native bush) with whaea Karen, and also looked through the little whare taonga, (museum). We returned to te whare to sing waiata, play with harekeke (flax) balls and dance with poi. Then it was time to say “Haere ra” (good bye) and return to Kindergarten. What a wonderful day.