Yesterday Room Nine and all of Newmarket primary went to Mt. Eden, aka Maungawhau. When we got to the top, we ate some morning tea on the big steps at the very top. Then we walked to the very windy patch of grass and saw a fantastic view of Auckland City and Rangitoto. It was so windy that Tania's hat blew off! Then we went to the bottom of the mountain and sang a song called poriainai. Then the people who were going on a guided tour with Eileen and Ms Kofoed had some lunch. It was amazing to learn about Mt Eden and its history in the past. There is a reason why we shouldn't go down the crater of Mt Eden. It is because the Maori who lived on Maungawhau a very long time ago used to throw their enemies bodies in the crater and burnt their bodies.
Jack and Josephine,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your recount of Maungawhau. Especially the events that happened during your journey.
Some of your facts about Mataaho need clarifying. Ngati Whatua did burn sacrifices to Mataaho the God of volcanoes and sometimes parts body were from their enemies. As part of rituals, gifts were left for Mataaho as he is an important part of Maungawhau.
The stories told from long ago help clarify our understanding.
Mrs VS