EOTC Te Papa

 WEEK 10 Te Mata O Rongokako

On Friday the Mighty Oaks overcame the challenge that is Te Mata O Rongokako. We set off from the Tauroa Road carpark and hiked through the Little Redwoods and over to the Redwoods where we had morning tea. While there, it was obvious that the long-drop was a major attraction for a number of the children!!

After morning tea, it was a small walk around the back of the peak to the start of the newly constructed Zig Zag track. As we looked up from the bottom it could be seen winding its way up the sheer side of the peak. Hearts in our hand, we trudged up the path, and after avoiding falling rocks and rampaging sheep, we made it to the top. While the day was drab and overcast, there were still amazing views to be had over the Heretaunga plains and out to sea (from Waimarama to Mahia).

We ate our lunch, rehydrated, and caught our breath before completing three activities. One was a sketch of the landscape below, one a geography task using the mosaic map on the trig station, and the other a video interview/reflection of our EPIC journey to date (we will try and upload some of these clips in the near future).

The trip down was certainly faster, and before we knew it, we were safely back at the buses ready to return to school. We all had an awesome day and left with a sense of achievement and pride, but it wouldn't have been possible without our awesome parent help. A big thanks to Kylie, Jason, Jo, Wendy, Charmaine, and Kim from all of us in Ruma Whitu :)

Neri, Shilaya, and Daniel rest on a giant Redwood.

Neri, Shilaya, Daniel, and Jordan.

Matiu and Taylin carbo loading?

Neshan sees the light

Jesharun smizing for the camera

Desrae, Shilaya, Sarag, Jesharun, and Calena with Sarah's nan Charmaine.

Desrae, Sarah, and Calena

Erika enjoying herself in the Redwoods

Azariyah and Chance happy to have made it to the top!

Karsha finding the breeze a bit cold at the top

One of the many fossils we saw - who would have thought 

Coming over the top from the Zig Zag

Lunch!!

The little Redwoods

Jordan earned his kai today

Week 11 Paddle Pedal Puddle

On Thursday the 11th of April, the Mighty Oaks traveled to Clive to undertake three separate challenges. First up for Ruma Whitu was a low key free time swim in the Clive Swimming Pools. This was followed by a challenging cycle ride along the limestone cycle ways from Clive to the Black Bridge (near Haumoana) and back with Mr, Crawford. There were a number of red faces and sweaty brows on return.

After lunch it was out turn to learn about the waka Nga Tukemata O Kahungunu - The Eyebrows of Kahungunu- from Taylin's koro Matua Jim Edwards who is the kaitiaki for the waka. Matua Jim told us all about the waka and the significance of the carvings that make up the waka. He also demonstrated how a number of traditional Maori weapons could be used in battle. When we got on the water it took some paddling to move the waka which weighs six tonne (unloaded)!! However, we worked hard as a team and in no time at all we were flying through the water. A highlight for many of us was the 'salute' with our hoe and a pukana to bystanders.

Again this activity could not have happened without the help of our awesome Mayfair whanau. We would like to thank those parents that gave up their time Kylie, Wendy, Jodi, and Jo. Also a big ups yo Mrs Renton who had to fill in for Mr Pratt in the morning while he was a way on a course. Luckily she had Kelli with her to organise a coffee from Mrs Edmonds to keep her going!!