Monday, August 4, 2014

Mid Winter Cheer at KDC

June was a busy month at the Kaumatua Programme, with highlights being a trip to the Kaumatua Games at Whakarewarewa and a Mid-Winter Cheer Up day at Whakaue Marae.


On Friday the 13th of June we travelled over to Whakarewarewa and were given a guided tour around the village, along with some steamed corn. Kaumatua were also treated to a show of taonga puoro (traditional maori instruments) by Jason Phillips who also demonstrated the beautiful sounds they made. Kaumatua described the sounds as “haunting” and “beautiful”. After some waiata and a maori counting game our group was presented with 3 pohutakawa trees, which are designated for Whakaue & Te Awhe Marae and Maketu Hauora. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day, with the group describing themselves as lucky to be invited to attend.

Mid winter cheer up day on June the 17th was another highlight. Kaumatua were dressed up in a decade theme and enjoyed a delicious catered lunch. Even though the sun wasn’t shining outside it sure was inside with kaumatua enjoying some music, joke and storytelling, and singing. It was a fun day with much laughter and the group agreed it was a much needed winter “pick me up”.









Na Suzy Butler 
KDC Coordinator