This week the Bilingual Unit (Te Kāhui O ngā Mātā Raukura) had a Marae Noho at Owae Whaitara Marae.
Our noho marae kaupapa was about building on our sense of belonging to Te Atiawa. Were most of us connect to and come from. We are very fortunate as Te Kāhui o Ngā Mātā Raukura to be haukainga and hold status as such here at this particular Marae. We are proud and humbled to be from here.
We started with a Powhiri (for experience and upkeep of tikanga). Then we raised the hakī to let the community know that there is a kaupapa at the marae. We then continue our noho by having group rotations which consist of making fry bread, making manu tukutuku, drawing whakairo, listening to kōrero tuku iho, kēmū (games) and creating art frames.
Because the Marae has a kōhanga reo, one of which most of our tamariki come from, we were able to whakangahau (perform) for them and have a brief tuakana, teina time.
Building tikanga awareness was definitely a huge aspect of this noho as we become familiar with out tikanga and kawa at the marae.
Our aspirations for this noho marae was:
Whakawhanaungatanga with Te Taiao
Through nature hīkoi, outdoor challenges, and hands-on learning, ākonga strengthening their connection with the environment and develop a deeper sense of kaitiakitanga and aroha for the whenua.
Cultural Enrichment and Local Histories
Owae Marae provided a meaningful space for ākonga to explore the stories, mātauranga, and tikanga of Te Atiawa and Manukōrihi, supporting a stronger sense of identity and belonging.
Hinengaro and Wairua Development
Noho offered powerful opportunities for ākonga to grow in confidence, resilience, and teamwork – nurturing the skills and values they carry as empowered learners.
Tamariki performed for their whānau as a thank you to them for their awhi in this journey and we also provided a space for whānau to come together and discuss kaupapa happening in our kāhui which was successful.
Have you had a noho at your local marae? What did you learn about it?