Forty-three students took the opportunity to go on an overnight historical trip to Bank Peninsula last week.
Supported by four staff, thank you to Mr Sean Coster, Mrs Sarah Maguire, Mr Jon Land and Mrs Tania Gilchrist, the students travelled to Banks Peninsula for an overnight trip to learn more about our New Zealand history.
The trip provided an excellent opportunity for students to visit historical sites where the Takapūneke Massacre (1830) and the destruction of Onawe Pa (1832) occurred, which they had just learned about in their History classes. These Ngāi Tahu locations were attacked and destroyed by Ngāti Toa war parties led by the rangatira (chief) Te Rauparaha as an act of revenge (or utu).
On Thursday night students and staff stayed at Ōnuku Marae. For some of our students this was the first time they had experienced a pōwhiri and staying in a whare. Thank you to Ōnuku Rūnanga for hosting us.
Ōnuku is home to generations of whānau. It is also of immense significance to Ngāi Tahu as an iwi. It was at Ōnuku on May 30, 1840 where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed within the Ngāi Tahu takiwā (the first of three signings on Te Waipounamu). It is also where, in 1998, the Crown gave its apology for historical breaches of the Treaty in its dealings with Ngāi Tahu. The marae continues to be a place where Ngāi Tahu come together to kōrero important tribal issues. It is also used by the wider community for wānanga (learning gathering), birthday celebrations, weddings, conferences and retreats. The marae is known for its tranquil surroundings and the kai that is served to manuhiri.
The students also visited Akaroa and Okains Bay Museums on a successful overnight experience for all.
