From Thursday 22nd – Friday 23rd August we stayed at Rāpaki Marae. When we arrived we were formally welcomed in a ceremony called a pōwhiri. 

Matua Issac talked about the special artworks, carvings and tukutuku panels in the wharenui. He also told us about how to be respectful of marae tikanga, like not wearing shoes or taking food into the wharenui. 

We did lots of activities such as walking to the beach, weaving, drawing the ancestors on the pou, making rākau and singing waiata. 

My favourite part of the noho marae was going to the beach because we found lots of crabs and shells.

Something I learnt while at the marae was learning about different kinds of birds.

The RISE value I showed the most was success because when it was time for bed it was really hot and there was lot’s of snoring. I would like to go back to the marae because it was really fun and it was really good.