Te Wânanga o Aotearoa Hui

October 29 2004

Te Wânanga o Aotearoa Hui a Waka at Turangawaewae Marae

The Waikato River will be alive with the sound of chanting/ngeri and haka as hundreds of paddlers take part in the National Hui a Waka (Waka regatta) run by Te Wananga o Aotearoa at Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaruawahia on November 20.

Te Wânanga o Aotearoa students from, Te Tohu Whakangungu Kaihoe Waka programme will gather from around New Zealand displaying skills learnt throughout the year.

The Hui a Waka aims to provide a challenging but safe environment for all Kaihoe Waka students to display their skills and enjoy the special nature of the Waikato River.

The Hui a Waka will begin with a karakia and Whakatu te haki (raising of the flag) by Tangata Whenua at 7am in the Turangawaewae Marae grounds, followed by kai o te ata. Students will then make their way down to the riverside for a student ceremony at 8.30am and to form groups to take part in a mass paddle drill/haka.

The day will conclude with karakia and Whakararo te Haki (lowering of the flag) at 5pm by Tangata Whenua.

ENDS

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