A Good Day on the Mountain

It has been far too long since I have updated this blog- and there a number of good reasons for this, but one primary and amusing reason for this. We have been without Internet access for a while- quite debilitating in fact. As we have been sleeping on floor futons, and as our baby daughter has not had a crib to sleep in, her midnight antics of playing around all over us and in the room resulted in a water glass being spilled over the modem. Now that access is restored, normal communication, bill paying, and of course, blogging, can resume.

Community Service and a Good Day
On the third of September, I again volunteered at my oldest daughter's school as the entire student body left for a field trip up to Maungatautari. Now, if you are unsure as to how this word is to be pronounced, then do not fret. I have heard numerous ways to say it, and most of the time, depending on who is around when I say the name, I have a 50 per cent chance of being 'corrected' albeit in a tacit manner. It seems though that more often than not I am corrected after a moment of non-recognition by the other party as to what I said. My American accent, and the quite different way some pronounce it, quite different than any Polynesian language speaker would, brings this about. When I was first here, hearing the various ways to pronounce it was amusing and I dabbled in these various pronunciations when I said the word from time to time- but I invariably came across some who still corrected me. Usually it occurs with a moment of non-recognition and then the person registers what I have said, says it in their particular fashion, and usually smile in a Cheshire-cat manner. A woman in town the other day did this and looked over at her colleague in a bemused fashion- both seemed to be having a little fun at my expense. No harm done however. I just smile back confident that there is no one right way, it is rather subjective, and if there was to be a right way it would likely come from Polynesian or Maori than not.

I digress. Yes, the field trip. The entire class body travelled to the Mountain, past Lake Karapiro and arrived at Maungatautari Marae. The student body, with its teachers and staff, and the parent helpers, were welcomed onto the Marae via a powhiri, an official welcome. After much speaking between the group's appointed speakers, the kids were educated as to area's long inhabitants and history. A portion of the older students, those who participate in the school's kapahaka performance group, performed some dances, song and chants for the Marae members, to their visible delight.

Afterwards, we were all treated to morning tea, or in other words a mid-morning snack of fruit, cakes, puddings, and some beverages in an amble eating hall. While we all were finishing up, a Marae member related more of his memories of growing up on the mountain and used a large wall-size mural he painted depicting the area in previous times to illustrate the mountain community's former configuration in relation to his stories/memories. It was within this presentation that he mentioned something quite interesting in relation to the mountain and their (as tangata whenua- people of the land or people indigenous to that particular area) use of it for cultural-orientated resources and pleasure.

Thereafter, we all went out to the open area of the marae to hear another short speech by one of the hapu's members. In this speech, or oratory, she discussed the importance of the mountain to her people, both in the past and in the present. In this context she related that it was a recent revelation that a title to the mountain now existed and that it was not in their hands but a certain district council. This will be something I will need to independently confirm and investigate. I hope to not step on any toes as I do so.

As the kids ate lunch, I did as well, though I did so while talking with a gentlemen whose brother lived in the area and was a marae member. This gentleman in fact lived in Auckland, but remained very much informed and connected to his brother and the area. We talked about the alarm and concern some in the area felt about the title and who or what seemed to possess it. Additionally, he informed me that a road was being built over the mountain by the Trust. This was a topic that sparked much discussion. The mountain/ecological island reserve does have quite a few good hiking/tramping tracks over and through its lush verdure. It seems that some seem unconvinced over the necessity of such road.

The day ended with a good walk up to the the enclosure. The hike up did not take too long, though it was slow going as it was frequented with pit stops for the kids (and some adults ;-) ) as the hike did ascend steeply. We all walked around a short track, enjoying the shade, a chance to see wetas (an indigenous cricket larger than mice and occupying the same niche) the native flora and streams. A guide from the Marae briefly related some indigenous uses of various plants, including medicine, cooking and flavouring.

I hope to have some pictures soon form this trip- as my spouse's camera is not working well, they will come from the class's communal camera. All else is going okay. We have most of our effects now. I picked them up with help from a local, who drove the manual transmission moving truck for me. Last weekend was like Christmas for my children and wife as they opened boxes of stuff they had not laid eyes on in nearly a year. Most all of it is setup in the home and we have only final few things to buy or pickup to be all set. A few items, even some crucial baby crib parts and a bike seat, remain in our vehicle that is being complied for New Zealand. What can you do? Hopefully soon we can get our hands on them when we can get our car. Bye for now.