Marae Trip

On Monday 12th May Rms 8 and 11 went together to the Edgewater Marae.

We have been learning about Maori protocol, and this was a great opportunity to try out our knowledge.

When we arrived we had to wait at the main gate to be called onto the Marae.  We had to wait because at this point we were strangers.

As we were called onto the Marae the singing helped to bridge the distance between  them and us.
The girls had to go first, followed by the boys.
But once we got into the Marae the boys had to sit at the front and the girls behind.

The ladies at the Marae gave us a gorgeous greeting.  Khusrav and Tristan used their knowledge to thank the people for having us.
Then we did a Hongi to help completely close the gap - we did this by sharing breath.

We then sealed the deal by having a small something to eat and drink.

Then it was on to the activities!

We did some artwork and then learned about the different parts of the Marae.  Both were very interesting.
We learnt the Marae is the body of the Ancestor.