Podging

Have you heard of 'podging?' Recently I was able to have a go at this craft. Something new, fun and would be manageable by more senior pupils.

One has to cut out 'tissue' or wrapping paper pictures and very carefully 'glue' them onto soap or rocks (in this case) using a special 'podge glue'. Can be a bit tricky.

If you want to know more go to www.eagarcrafters.co.nz for Projects & Ideas.

Aparima (Riverton) River Mouth

There is a sandbar at the Aparima river mouth that needs careful consideration when coming and going for the fishing boats of Aparima-Riverton. As in other coastal fishing villages, high tide is the better time for the boats to have easy access. Historically, Aparima Māori paddled their waka (canoe) through the mouth and up the river to berth at the tauraka waka (canoe landing) from where this photo was taken.

The Aparima kaika (village), just above the tauraka waka, is where the Aparima College and Riverton rugby grounds presently stand.

All the little bays, streams and beaches around the Aparima Estuary had a Māori name which are no longer used or acknowledged. This area is also well known for its pipi and cockle beds.

Hauora - Wellbeing

Today I visited a school in Murihiku where I spoke to a class about the importance of 'us' having a balanced life. I used the Māori model developed by Mason Durie, that is, the Whare Tapawha.
This 'model' talks about our Taha Wairua (Spiritual Side), Taha Tinana (Physical Side), Taha Whanau (Importance of family) and Taha Hinengaro (Brain /Knowledge Side.
Well, I got home and thought about my 'messages' to the children and decided I would go for a walk - to bring my Taha Wairua up a bit.
What a lovely walk. Apart from warming up my body (good for blood flow!) I saw a person 'working' his or her 7 (seven) dogs! Birds were singing, and best of all I picked up a beautiful collection of feathers.
So, Room 6, I walked the talk!

Identification of Harakeke

There are many ways of identifying harakeke. The more 'scientific' and the 'simple'.

Depending on the project you want to do, you need to find harakeke that is best for the job.

For instance if you want to make simple kete - ' basket', then find a harakeke that has soft and pliable qualities. If you want to make some aho -'rope', then you need to find harakeke that has very good muka - 'fibre', in it.

It always pays to try the harakeke first.

Harakeke - a versatile plant

Here are two different projects that can be made using harakeke.

In both projects, the ika (fish) and bracelets, plain and dyed harakeke has been used.

With Winter approaching it is not advisable to gather harakeke because it becomes very wet and hard to work. One can cut enough and process it so that weaving can continue over the winter months.

A good rule is: if there is an 'r' in the name of the month then it is ok to use harakeke.

These bracelets have been woven out of harakeke.

The fibre can be dyed using a natural dye or a commercial dye.

You need at least 45 minutes to complete a bracelet. This activity is suitable for Year 5 to 13 +.

If you need further information or hands on assistance contact the RTM's in Murihiku (Southland).

Welcome to 2008

Aue! Taukiri e! The Year is almost quarter through! Easter has come and gone, and the first Term break is one week away!

The Tītī island whanau are now down on their islands processing tītī. What a good idea for a local Murihiku topic.

The Poha is a traditional vessel used by Rakiura Māori to preserve their tītī(mutton birds).

How is it made?

• Rimurapa (bull kelp)
• Harakeke (phormium)
• Totara bark
• Tītī (about 18 processed birds)

Demonstrations and background regarding poha can be arranged.

Contact can be made through the RTM's Murihiku.