Mokai Marae

 It is important that we know not only our Aotearoa Histories but also our local histories. All of our school Whare were lucky enough to spend a day at Mokai Marae learning the local stories with Whaea Paerakau.

First, we stopped at Hatu Patu's Rock, where we learned the story of Haotu Patu and the Birdwoman. 

We continued south and stopped again, this time at the prominent landmark -  Pohaturoa, and learned about the events that took place here many centuries ago 

                                        

Towering 240 metres over the river is Mt Pohaturoa (520m), which features prominently in both Arawa and Raukawa tradition. The rock, which served as a lookout post during inter-tribal conflicts, was the scene of many a prolonged siege. One such siege took place several centuries ago when invading Raukawa forced Ngāti Kahupungapunga (possibly a surviving Moa hunter tribe) to retreat to this, their final stronghold. Lack of food finally forced the defenders to abandon their refuge and only five escaped with their lives. The cause of the conflict is said to have been the murder of a Raukawa woman who had been given in marriage to a chief of Ngāti Kahupungapunga.

Pohaturoa   find out more here. 

We were welcomed onto Maokai Marae with a powhiri and more learning took place.