Year 8 visit to Matahiwi Marae for Kotahitanga Week

The first image is of the karanga as we, the manuhire, entered the marae. After the powhiri, with Clive School as tangata whenua, we split into three groups, first going into the wharekai with Whaea Edwards.  Whaea talked about the meaning of the mural painted across three of the walls and how it represents the recent history of the marae and the surrounding local area. Tukutuku panels tell of the importance of flounder, tuna (eel), and horticultural crops to the local community.

The wharenui or whare tupuna was built in 1980 after fire destroyed the previous meeting house.   Carved figures or poupou (the 'ribs' of the building) are of Kahungunu, his ancestors and his relatives. Matua Uhani told us of the life of Kahungunu and how he travelled from Kaitaia, his birthplace, around the East Cape before settling in Heretaunga. Interior ceiling panels represent the three local rivers- the Tukituki, Tutaekuri and Ngaruroro. A sperm whale's jaws stand in front of Maui's net.

A tekoteko (carved figure) of Maui is on and adorns the roof of the wharenui. This shows how important Maui is held in maori culture and tradition. 

Finally, the marae's kaumatua, Matua Mulligan, spoke of the atea, the area in front of the wharenui. The atea is where only men can talk.  This helps protect women as the atea is the area on a marae where fierce debate and argument may occur. At Matahiwi there are carvings of Maui's five brothers and a carving of a woman. This figure represents  the sacredness of women on the marae and their role in welcoming all visitors with the karanga. 

We finished our visit with a karakia. It was a very informative and interesting day.

This is part of our recount writing planning following the visit.