Powhiri 

Karanga mai! Karanga mai! Karanga mai! The manuhiri called as we slowly walked towards the Tangata whenua. I felt eels in my stomach. Will they ever stop squirming!

I walked into the hall. BOOM! A haka full on performance by the tangata whenua. I suddenly got excited like a jump started engine. My hands started shaking and my knees nearly knocking. I then found myself on the solid cold ground. 

 The whaikorero began. Mr Hunter spoke to us in Te reo Maori. The words echoed through the hall. Then the waiata began. E whiti e te ra. As the sun rises. The tangata whenua sung. Lips moving. Hands shaking. Eyes opened wider than ever.

 Our turn. I start to feel the same. I start singing. Wow! Such good harmony’s I hear. So good I cannot hear myself. It is over. 

 Then we gathered together to our buddy groups and did a hongi. I felt the person pull me towards them. Our noses touched. “Kia ora” I can hear as I move to the next person. Soon it was my favourite part. Kai! The Food. We laughed in fellowship. I met some new people. 

 I got up and walked towards Mr Hunter who was touching a beautiful piece of Pounamu. I touched it. It felt glossy and special. It seemed holy to me. After the powhiri I felt like I was born into a new world. The world of Balmacewen! Kia ora!

Analeia Room 6