Last Monday, Year 11 students had the opportunity to visit Te Kamaka Marae as a cross-curricular learning experience with RE, Health and Te Reo Māori. We were warmly welcomed onto the marae by Matua Manuel Beazley, the Vicar of Māori for the Auckland diocese. Our Year 11 Te Reo Māori students spoke on behalf of the school, as manuhiri.

Matua Manuel also shared fascinating stories about Te Kamaka Marae. We learned that Te Kamaka means ‘the Rock’ and is named after Saint Peter, who was the rock upon which Jesus Christ built his Church. Matua Manuel taught us that Te Kamaka is now our Marae, and we need to make sure we always wave when we pass. We also learned about the symbols and meaning behind the beautiful elements in the wharenui.

Following this, we participated in workshops. One was a workshop where all students learned the school haka, led by Whaea Kelly and Matua Nelson. The other was in the chapel with Matua Manuel, where we learned more about the connections with St Peter and his role as an apostle.

The visit to Te Kamaka Marae proved to be a valuable learning experience for us as Year 11 students. By exploring Māori spirituality, history and cultural practices, we gained a broader perspective on Te Ao Māori and its connection to the Catholic faith in Aotearoa.