Reflecting on our stay at the marae.

Our noho marae was wonderful, snow covered mountains behind us and sparkling ocean below us. The whare moe was 130 years old oozing history. The tamariki played in the trees,  built tree houses using lots of problem solving, walked through the native bush, watched seal pups swimming in the waterfall, made rongoa (traditional healing balm), fossicked on the beach, visited the original whaling station in Kaikoura, felt real whale blubber,  threw a replica harpoon, helped in the kitchen,  visited the local school and had a game of touch, played spotlight and toasted marshmallows.  We had visitors, Maaka our kapahaka tutor came up, Darren the local historian spoke to us sharing history of the area and  Taua Phylis spent time with us chatting with the tamariki. We lived together as a whānau, sharing the beautiful marae and looking after each other. The tamariki had to self manage, be respectful, problem solve, communicate and have fun. There are many photos and lots more creating will be done this week I'm sure, but here are are few. A huge mihi to all the adults that helped make this noho so special.