The whole school loaded onto three RoadTrip Marlborough buses and we were off.  The sun was shining and the views were to die for.  We ventured up the Awatere Valley, where many of our students and staff had not been before.  We nestled on the top of a saddle to view our mountain.  From our place we understood the mana and the significance of Mt Tapuae-o-Uenuku.  As the legend was told, the weather quietly made its presence hiding the very top of our maunga.  We drew, we looked, we wrote, and we sang to our maunga before descending down the valley to Seddon School.  The tamariki welcomed us onto their school, shared their mihi’s and then ate their kai/lunch together.  We farewelled our new friends and headed out to Yealand’s Lookout which tied our trip together as we identified  our maunga, the Wairarapa coast, Cape Campbell, Grassmere which was a battle ground where the Māori fought over land and Port Underwood.  The fun and the collaboration was unique as the children worked together and grew new friendships.  The time raced the whole day and before we could get to know the friendly chickens at the Yealand’s Lookout, we had to be on the bus to go home.

A great day by all and a big thanks to the staff for their help.