Horowhenua Star“It was marvellous”, “we learnt so much”, “made new connections, too”, “I will cherish this forever”, are some of the comments made by participants in the sixth Muaūpokotanga Day organised last Friday by local iwi.
The day was to share information, history and legends with the wider community.
Among participants were many primary and high school teachers who see great value in the information and want to share that with their students. It includes tales about local history, much of which is not yet written down.
A busload or two went to Hokio Beach to experience the significance of the sea, Tangaroa.
“We learnt about tradition ways of fishing, about the relationship of the local people with the sea and the connection with the rivers and the mountains,” said Stephanie Greenslade, who teaches at Waiopehu College.
For lunch they were served smoked tuna and pipi fritters, and there they learnt when was the best time to go looking for pipi and how to prepare food.
“It was amazing to stand on the beach, hear the stories. It was so well done,” said her colleague, Emma Easton.
During the bus ride they heard interesting anecdotes, and sang waiata. They were especially pleased to go home with a whakatauki (proverb) that they learnt on the bus about the sea.
“It’s about the many paths taken to get to Tangaroa. Our students travel many paths at school and an Esol teacher said their students had already travelled many paths to get here. But we all come together here.”
Shirley, a speech therapist for the Ministry of Education from Paraparaumu, said it was her second Muaūpokotanga Day.
“Last year I did the Amazing Race, now it was all about fishing. I grew up in the city and nowhere near a beach. It was great to learn how the moana connect to culture.
“I had great conversation with other teachers during the day and that was great, too.”
Shelvin is new to Levin and teaches at St Joseph’s School. He hails from Fiji and many of the stories resonated with him. “It’s my first time and I have found this exciting educationally. It’s amazing to be part of a new town this way. I will cherish this forever.”
He said some of the stories were similar to those told in Fiji.
“The vibe and feel is different here, though. The presenters were passionate and very energetic. It’s wonderful that they are kind enough to share their way of life with us. We heard so much that we can use in our lessons at school.”
The day was closed off with all standing barefoot on the grass in a circle, arm-in-arm, for the karakia whakamutunga (above).
“It symbolises that we stand in unbroken connection to one another in our feet or socks while connected to the whenua,” Muaūpoko Tribal Authority CEO Di Rump said. “Our tane karakia to the four winds and the Atua for the wairua and insight to guide us all in our mahi and practice over 2025 for the betterment of our pepe tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and hapori.
“It acknowledges that it is by the connections that we have with one another that we are stronger.”
The first Muaūpokotanga Day attracted 50 registrations – that has now risen to more than 400.
“It’s an important part of our kāhui,” Di said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to share our knowledge with the local teachers. It’s very empowering to our people.
“It’s also a way for us to say ‘thank you’ to the local teachers from all levels, from ECE to secondary schools, for all the hard week they do.”
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