Marae Visit

Tuinga-Tahi's Big Day @ Te Tomairangi Marae...

Last Friday was a huge day for all involved. It started at 9.00am with a powhiri welcoming us onto the marae from  another group who were there for a conference of their own. After they had sung their waiata, we got a chance to perform a few songs before they had to catch their planes home. Wow! The kids were awesome; and later that day we were told how impressed they were with the kids’ pronunciation and actions; total credit to Mrs J - she has taught them well. The rest of the day was spent working through songs, actions, haka for the boys, and poi for the girls – a very full-on day.

 Behind the scenes were a few ladies preparing the evening roast for sixty, Vanessa Young, Lisa Tou and myself peeling potatoes and carrots; and smashing pumpkins on the concrete. Later in the day we were joined by Mrs Witheford, Mrs Gerrard and Vanessa’s teenage girls to prepare the chocolate self-saucing pud, cook the veges, and seven size 30(!)  chickens needed to feed the hungry kids in the next room. Sharon Witheford put her camera down to help with preparing pasta salads and the vege cooking. However, the peak of her culinary skills on display was her gravy making - second to none (real gravy too).  Later, we were joined by Jo and Nathan White to help serve the meal. A huge thank you to all who helped, even the dish washer's and dryer's (that's a big job on it own): it was a great time.

The biggest thank you must go to Raiha Johnson: the kids improved so much in just that one day: I know they are looking forward to the next visit to the noho marae later in the year. Well done everyone.  

 -Tania Clive (Committee chair)