NZ Experience classes visited Te Hana for a pōwhiri, Māori village tour, and forest walk.

International ākonga wrap up term two and say farewell

Our two New Zealand Experience classes, alongside five Kapa Haka ākonga: Bo, Faith, Micah, Caleb and Heze spent a meaningful day at Te Hana on Tuesday 25 June. This trip marked the final outing for term two and a farewell experience for many of our international students. 

Koko Morimoto, one of the visiting ākonga, shared her reflection on the day.

“We were welcomed in traditional style with a pōwhiri,” Koko wrote. “The pōwhiri was held in te reo Māori which made it difficult to understand what was being said. Our domestic students helped us at this point, and we sang ‘Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi’, which we had learnt in our New Zealand Experience class.”

After the welcome, the group shared morning tea together. “We had fried bread with jam and oranges. We loved the fried bread, so the staff gave us an extra one.”

From there, they explored the recreated Māori village. “The Māori staff gave us a clear explanation of Māori culture that was easy to understand,” Koko noted.

The day finished with a walk through the nearby Kauri forest. “The oldest one was 800 years old, which was both mysterious and beautiful.”

Reflecting on the experience, Koko said, “This was the last NZ Experience trip of the term, and most of the international students will be leaving by the end of Term 2. This trip was a special experience, giving us the opportunity to learn about New Zealand's unique culture and the special hospitality of the Māori people.”

Article credit: Koko Morimoto