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
