Te Oro

On a splendid morning 3 classes from Glen Brae School got the opportunity to visit and hand craft things at Te Oro. 2 lovely classes went first in one bus because if the other class had come at the same time then there would be traffic in the building, and so that class had to be patient until it was their turn to go.

As soon as we arrived at our destination we got put into three groups so there wouldn't be a lot of fuss. As we got put into groups the hosts there were preparing to welcome us in or in other words to do a powhiri. Shortly after that we had to take off our shoes as we entered that space of the building to show respect as if it was a marae.The wahine(women/girls)) had to be in the front as we got welcomed in and the tangata(men/boys) at the back. 

When that was done we got the chance to sit down on a mat facing towards our instructors. All the hosts introduced themselves to us students and what activities they would be doing with us. As I had a glance of the creations around me my eyes lit up just like a bright light bulb because all the carvings, harakeke(flax) creations and more, were superb. Later, everyone went to one activity and made use of their time to make their establishment, as one group was doing a little carving out of clay the other two groups were decorating their own rock and working hard to make whetu’s(stars) to represent the matariki stars.

My group and I were making whetu’s, in our little group we had to introduce ourself by saying our name, where were from and what's our favourite food. When everyone had a turn we split up so boys with one host and the girls with another, the first attempt on making the whetu was really challenging but on the second attempt it wasn't as difficult. As we were going through the steps everyone got stuck at some point but that's why you have classmates by your side to help you when you're struggling. We got to make three whetu’s but always give your first creation away just like when you're fishing always throw your first fish away.

Not everyone got to switch to another activity because there was not enough time. But everyone enjoyed their time while it lasted. Before we left we had different people from different groups to have the confidence to talk about what they have did and learnt from it, while the rest of that group stood at the back, then we had one person from our school to give a big thank on the behalf of Glen Brae School for what they have done for us. We sang a waiata(song) and also did a dance and sang a song with the whole class that the hosts had taught us.

Last but not least when we were leaving we had seen the other class who didn't get their turn, arrive at the Te Oro. Also I would really consider watching a video on how to make a whetu if you are interested and to teach your family and friends how to make it as well. :)