Waitangi Trip

It was an early start for the senior classes as we boarded the bus and some cars ready to head to Waitangi.  We needed to be at the Treaty Grounds by 11.30 for our tour.  Mrs Brown and Ngati Kawa welcomed us and we set off to explore.  We listened to Ngati Kawa tell us about the legend of Tane and the forest while seated underneath a large shady tree. We viewed the large waka under cover and learnt how it was made.  We sat on the tree stump that was left after the tree was felled to carve out the waka.  We learnt all about Mrs Busby arriving at the beach and being welcomed by the Maori women and children.  We looked at the flags that fly from the flagpole on the grounds.  We explored the Treaty House and played games that the children in 1840 would have played.  It was a very informative visit and we all learnt a lot. It was time to do some exercise so we set off and found the Waitangi Mangrove Track.  Two hours later it was back on the bus and off to Oromahoe Marae, our accommodation for the night.  Aimee and Alaxis responded to the karanga for us and Mr McNaughten replied to the powhiri.  Next morning we were up early to csatch the 9.30 ferry to Russell.  While one group had a tour through Pompallier House, the rest of us had a swim in the harbour.  We checked out the church with the musket ball holes in the walls before heading back to Paihia and home.  What a great trip!!