We set off on a special drive across the new highway to connect with the whenua, the awa, and the stories that live along this journey.
Rain gently fell around us, dripping from our noses and jackets, but our spirits were high. We sang as we travelled, our waiata filling the van and then the open spaces as we explored together – nurturing a strong sense of group belonging and shared experiences.
With photos in hand it started with a game of I spy as we spotted the art sculptures along the road as we drove and stopped to explore. At each place, we stepped out into the fresh, rainy air, ready to discover more of the story held in this whenua.
The tamariki were drawn to the mahi toi – carvings and sculptures that stood tall beside the path, each one holding meaning. This sparked rich engagement with visual art as a form of storytelling. Tamariki asked thoughtful questions, observed tiny details, and began making links between the shapes they saw and the stories they’ve heard: “Who made this?” “Look at all the birds!”
At the lookout, surrounded by swirling fog, we shared the pūrākau of Whāngaimokopuna – the great taniwha who moves through the valleys and hills, protecting the land and its people. The fog, we explained, is what he leaves behind as he passes. This moment offered a powerful way for tamariki to deepen their connection to the spiritual narratives of the land. As the mist moved around us, the tamariki stood in awe, truly present. Some whispered, others stood quietly imagining the taniwha weaving through the valley. It was a moment of wonder, wairua, and respect.
Later, standing on the bridge over the powerful Manawatū Awa, we shared the pūrākau of Okatia – the mighty totara who forced his way through the ranges, carving the river’s path to the sea. The roar of the river beneath us and the presence of nearby carvings made this story come alive. Tamariki explored the concept of kaitiakitanga and the shaping power of nature. Their imaginations lit up as they pictured Okatia’s strength and purpose.
In this moment, they were connecting to whakapapa and whenua in a real, embodied way. Throughout the day, tamariki engaged their senses, their minds, and their hearts. They explored local Māori narratives, expressed curiosity, built critical thinking, and strengthened their understanding of the land’s cultural identity. Through observation, conversation, and reflection, they saw how art, story, and nature are deeply connected. Through sharing this journey together – in the rain, in the fog, on the road and under the carvings – they continued to develop a strong sense of belonging, partnership, and place.
This was more than just a trip — it was a journey of discovery and connection, one that will continue to ripple through their learning long after the rain has dried.