Throughout the years we have maintained our contact with Te Tahawai Marae, visiting on a regular basis. Our aim is to introduce our children to Maori protocols and to build on our kindergarten programme. Yesterday we were welcomed by Panetuku Rae. We were intoduced to the notion that the baby flax leaves in the centre of the plant and the ones standing beside it are the prents. The leaves on the outside symbolise the grandparents and extended whanau. Inside we learnt about the history of the wharenui and then we painted rocks, did a weaving, made a maori pattern called a kowhaiwhai and then we decorated a whare. Thank you Te Tahawhai marae.
Looks like you all had a wonderful visit to the marae. I'm sure that the children had a fun and educational visit. I'll look forward to Marieke visiting the marae when she is at morning Kindy (hopefully!)
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