On Friday 27 January Kākano Whakatupu (Treaty Team) Group Manager Nigel Te Hiko, guided nine teachers from Tokoroa based Strathmore Primary School on an exploration of the Raukawa rohe and the many stories that are etched into the land.
The Raukawa rohe (traditional lands) is a vast landscape that stretches from Te Wairere Falls in the north, Wharepūhunga in the west, towards the Western Bays of Taupō in the south and towards Rotorua in the east. This large area carries with it rich cultural narratives and histories that have been passed down from generation to generation.
The field trip introduced teachers to the stories of the Raukawa rohe, enhancing both their personal knowledge and the capacity to then share this knowledge with their students.
The day was a series of key moments of learning for many of the teachers. From the recounting of the heartache and heroism during of the Battle of Ō-Rākau, the importance of Hangahanga Pā, to the history of Tokotokoroa-o-Matarawa.
For Assistant Principal Lisa Bates the day presented many opportunities to “learn the stories of Raukawa which helped to keep them alive.”
Strathmore Primary Principal, Murray Kendrick, appreciated Nigel’s help in growing awareness of the history of the rohe among his teachers.
He said it was extremely helpful for the teachers to learn more about Raukawa history. “Including the injustices experienced. This trip allowed us to link what we teach to the history of the area, and our students own history”.
As with much of the mahi of Kākano Whakatupu, leading the field trip has helped Nigel to reaffirm his thinking about, and reinforce the knowledge of, Raukawa history, helping him to keep it alive.
If you would like your school to have a similar opportunity, please contact us on 0800 RAUKAWA, or firstname.lastname@example.org