I te Takutai ki kā Mauka - From the Coast to the Mountains

In the vibrant tapestry of Aotearoa New Zealand's landscape, Māori place names are more than words — they are threads that weave together history, culture, and identity.

Tūpuna (ancestors) have traversed the lands of Ōtākou for centuries, residing in noho kāika (settlements) around and along the harbour, the coast, utilising bountiful nature as both a resource and a companion on their remarkable journeys. Place names along the coast and inland valleys record Te Rapuwai, Waitaha, Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu history.

Ā tērā Rātū, (next Tuesday), starting at Te Kāika Moana and finishing at Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (Main Divide of the Southern Alps), our Kura Taiao (leadership camp) will follow the mighty rivers and interior lakes that flow east, to their source.

Along this four-day journey, students from Year 10 Māori Studies and supporting Year 13 ākonga will be learning about Kāi Tahu history, whakapapa (genealogy) and pūrākau (stories) that have been placed on the land. Paradise Station near Tāhuna (Glenorchy) will be our base as we explore ancient kā ara pounamu (greenstone trails) and river valleys, living under the shadow of an iconic mauka, Pikirakatahi (Mt Earnslaw). Students will be visiting three primary kura (schools), teaching at Glenorchy School and performing kapa haka at St Gerard's School, Alexandra, and St Joseph's School, Queenstown.

Getting into te taiao (nature) is good for the mind, body and soul. We are very fortunate here in Te Wai Pounamu (South Island) to have wonderful mountains, rivers, coastlines, islands and lakes, each steeped in stories and legends and holding a unique place in Māori history and culture.

Nō reira, whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he mauka teitei (In closing, pursue that which is precious; if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain).