Last week year nine cohort went to Opononi. There was two groups Araiteuru and Niwa, Niwa went to Manea – The Footsteps Of Kupe and Araiteuru went to the beach. After going to Opononi we went to the marae we were staying at and had a powhiri. Once the powhiri had finished the girls hung out and waited for dinner and the boys went to their marae to unload their stuff and have showers before coming back for dinner. The next day we woke up pretty early and of course my group had to walk up the maunga first. When we got back from walking up Whakarongorua we went to the marae and had a quick snack before heading off to Mangungu Mission House. At Mangungu some boys got in trouble for drawing all over the visitors book. On Friday we packed our marae in the morning, had breakfast, loaded up the busses and got ready to go for our last walk for the haerenga.
The most challenging activity for me was walking back to the busses because it was very hot and I was sick of everyone at that point. The most enjoyable moment for me was after dinner hanging out with everyone, playing cards, tag and getting to know all my teachers. Matua Rob taught some of us how to do a magic trick with the cards and we went and shows people how to do it once we learned how to do it ourselves. It was cool seeing everyone bonding with each other and coming out of their shells. It felt nice making new friends and meeting new people that I had not seen around school.
I stepped out of my comfort zone when I talked to new people because I normally stay in my own circle and don’t talk to others. I learned that if i branch out I will make new friends and learn new faces. The advice I would give to any future year nines is to go to the haerenga even if you aren’t sure about it or don’t wanna go because it gives you a good chance to step out of your comfort zone, make new friends, meet your teachers, learn some history and get to know your year nine cohort.