A recent school trip gave students at Fern a great taste of Maori culture.

Last month 42 students and six tutors spent a morning at the Awataha Marae on Akoranga Drive.  There they participated in a hui (gathering) and shared traditional Maori kai (food) before being split into groups of males and females.  Females were taught Maori games and songs while their male school mates received some authentic warrior haka (ceremonial dance) training!  The visit ended with a story-telling session on Maori history.

The trip to the marae was a first for Fern students, but NZMA/Fern Activities Coordinator Sandra de Freitas said it wouldn’t be the last.

“We will certainly take our students there again as it was very worthwhile,” she said. 

“It was a very eye-opening experience for the students.  It gave them a better understanding of Maori culture and history and enabled them to actually participate in some Maori cultural activities such as wood carving and flax weaving.  The team at the marae were very welcoming and patient with our students especially when it came to showing or illustrating the activities.

 “The purpose of the visit was to offer the students an opportunity to learn and understand New Zealand culture and history, as a starting point to their experience in NZ.   It’s a great cultural experience for them, especially for our newcomers.”

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