Our trip to Muru Raupatu Marae

On  a sunny Tuesday  morning we were picked up from school and traveled out on a bus to Bell Block to visit the special marae called Muru Raupatu.

We were very excited!!

We were welcomed on the marae by our kapahaka group who were wearing their new kapahaka uniforms.  These uniforms were later blessed when we went inside the whare nui.

Before we were welcomed onto the marae we waited near the entrance.  Later that day Mr Ritai showed us the carvings on the entrance way.  They represented all of the tribes in Taranaki.

Before entering the whare nui we all took our shoes off and  took part in the hongi to greet our hosts.

Later in the morning we were lucky enough to see the kapahaka group perform outside.

We did lots of fun and interesting activities through out the day.  Hoaini taught us about the stars and Puanga.

Some of the older boys taught us the haka and the girls learnt some waiata.

At the end of the day we were lucky enough to see the hangi being pulled up.

 

There was alot of steam and we had to be very careful.  "Yum it smells delicious" said Romeo.  For many of us the best part of the day was eating the hangi.  Wow what amazing food.  It was scrumptious!!!!
Thank you Muru Raupatu Marae we had a wonderful day!