Junior Cultural Leaders Report

Our names are Susana, Manaia, and Camila and we are this year's Junior Cultural Leaders. We are excited to share what has been going on culturally within Te Timataka so far in 2024!

Firstly, we have been delighted to see so many people at Kapa Haka during the past couple of weeks, so please continue coming. Everyone’s already looking and sounding great! Also, please don’t be whakamā, we’re all learning and we love having you! Practice is on Wednesdays from 3-4.

Secondly, today the year sevens set out to Puketeraki Marae to spend the night. They’re going to learn about the Kaupapa (rules/customs) at the marae, traditional weaving using harakeke, and they’ll be going for a hikoi around the pā to learn about Kai Tahu (the people of the tribe of this land), the history of the pā, and how it affects us today. Trips like these are key components to our understanding of Te Ao Māori (the world of Māori), since it provides important historical context of how Māori used to live and see the world.

Thirdly, yesterday at junior school assembly, we learned about the effects that our words have on other people, ourselves and our community. We learned that in all cases - specifically when it comes to ethnicity - that we need to be mindful of what we say, and that what makes us different is what makes us special in God’s image.

Additionally, year nine has been learning about where we come from - our Tūrangawaewae - and making connections to our ancestral background. In Te Ao Māori this topic is very important, so we watched the film ‘Whina’. This is a film about Dame Whina Cooper and the life she led as a Wahine Māori who stood up for Māori rights during the 20th century . This film was very informative and inspirational, and it accompanied our topic very well.

As I’m sure we can see, Te Timataka has been very busy, and will continue to be contributing to our kura. Thank you to Matua Moananu, Whaea Bresanello and Matua Tait, as well as the Trinity community for constantly supporting us, we truly appreciate it. 😀

Also, just a reminder that the Moananui festival will be held on Saturday the 23rd of March at the Forsyth Stadium from 10:30 to 4:00. Hope to see you there!

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Junior Cultural Leaders 🙂