Noho Marae 2016

Last weekend we took the 2 kids to our classroom where we are learning Te Reo Māori this year on Monday nights for a sleep over and learning time.

They had a ball, although drove me slightly crazy on the Saturday afternoon when we had just arrived. We went straight into learning, into a 2 hour class on comprehension where we actually had to listen and pay attention. Meanwhile, two girls were fighting over felt colours, banging each other on the head with pool noodles and sporadically screaming. Do you ever just think "why did I even bother?"

I'm glad we pushed through because we all ended up have a great time. The kids found their grove, they loved being around Te Reo (Camilla is a keen learner, and Katie has her own confident unknown (but to her its Māori) language she likes to sing in) and on day two we remembered to plug in the tablet during learning times!

It was great to get to know our class mates better, share kai and stories during the Pō Whakangāhau (Evening entertainment). We found the "Māori only" immersion morning really beneficial. Graeme swam through it like a champ - and it made me realise how much harder I need to work than him. We have since thought it would be great to do a Māori only night once a week when Graeme gets home from work. Its just so easy to default into English. We will see how this goes. 

Its a journey that we are all on.



Camilla: "Your Māori Kaiako said "Kei te pehea koe?" to me." ("How are you?")
Me: "And what did you say back to him?"
Camilla: "Kei te wera au" ("I am hot")
Me: "Awesome Milla! Were you feeling hot?"
Camilla: "No, but it was all I could think of saying"

Waitangi at Onuku Marae

Dear Milla, 

This weekend our whānau went to Onuku Marae to commemorate Waitangi Day. Mum and Dad, Nannie and Poppa and Aunty Izy and Uncle Phil all came! 

Onuku is just past Akaroa, and it's where your Dad and his family spent a lot of time when they were kids living in Duvachelle. Dad has lots of memories here and it's a very special place for him. 

The marae has just completed a whole lot of renovations with a brand new wharekai so they had the opening on Waitangi to celebrate! 

There was a big pōwhiri welcoming everyone on, but we were on the tangata whenua side watching the guests come in. Milla, you were so interested in what was going on, you loved the waiata and listening to Te Reo. You even plucked up the courage to share your mihi with your Koro and Kuia (although we call them Nannie and Poppa!) 

"Ko Camilla tōku ingoa, no Ōtautahi au" you said! Ka pai Milla! So proud! 

We love sharing Māori customs and language with you. You have a great sense of Mana Ake, you know it's a special part of who you and your whānau are. We will continue to teach you as best we can throughout your life about your culture, language, ancestors and this beautiful land we live on. 

Love, Mum & Dad x