Room 2 had a great visit to Curio Bay and Waikawa on Thursday where they participated in cultural and educational activities. At the top of Curio Bay, they were guests at the opening of the Matariki Wayfinding Pou Project.

They then returned to Waikawa, where they had the opportunity to see the Hine Moana, a traditional voyaging waka. Three crew members shared their knowledge, teaching the group the Māori names and actions for the compass points of a Māori Star Compass. They learnt how to tie a reef knot, an essential knot used on the waka for lifting heavy equipment. Even though we didn’t experience getting onto the waka, it was great to see it out on the moana and meet some of the crew, some who had sailed it all the way from Christchurch. 

Special thanks go to Stella Smith, Sophie Rowland, Sam Dallas, and Dianna Sellars for transporting and accompanying us on the trip. 

The waka will be near Waikawa wharf until Tuesday 25 June, if you would like to make a trip down to see it.