By Allyson Ashfield–Kawakawa teacher
Well we couldn’t have asked for better weather for Wā Ora’s ninth odyssey to the top of the South Island this year, that’s for sure. This year’s focus, as well as to build our community for the year, was on Pedagogy of Place and that place was The Abel Tasman National Park, its environs and Motueka. We were reunited with Henry and introduced to Paddy, both of whom organised this year’s Odyssey.
Our journey started with a long day of travelling from Wellington to Picton and then a very warm bus ride over the Takaka Hill to Totaranui, our base for the next six days. Sarah Jane had travelled ahead and had a delicious meal ready and waiting for the weary travellers.
Having only just arrived, half the group were off on their Abel Tasman Coastal track tramping adventure the next day, while the other half spent a full day on Onetahua /Farewell spit on a guided adventure. From the omniscient Murray, we learned about the history, the special features and the flora and fauna of this unique part of New Zealand. A highlight was jumping off a giant sand dune and tumbling to the bottom.
Our planned tramp of 45 km over two nights was a little too ambitious, especially with the baking hot weather, and each of the two groups modified the hike to suit their group. I was really impressed with the tenacity and resolve our adolescents displayed to reach the campsites and the support and help they showed to each other. They all dug deep and I’m immensely proud of them. As a result, my group spent a beautiful day at Bark Bay, exploring waterfalls, swimming, investigating tidal flows, more swimming, learning how to secure tents in the wind and how to deal with a plague of bumble bees!
Once back at Totaranui we spent time in the local area visiting an art gallery for local artists in Takaka, Waikorupupu Springs and Wainui Falls and a half day sea kayaking before heading back over the hill to Motueka for our Marae stay at Te Awhina Marae. We were very lucky to be staying there on Waitangi Day as we got to experience welcoming visitors onto the marae, from the perspective of the manawhenua, and help out with hosting the visitors. Some of our students got to see the setting up of the hangi in the morning and we all had a good feed from it in the evening. A great way to end our 2019 Odyssey adventures.
A couple of thoughts from our adolescents about odyssey:
“Odyssey is a great learning experience for Kawakawa to connect and learn for the year ahead. I love how we get to go and explore New Zealand and learn about the Maori history.” A year 10 student.
“It was a good way to start the school year. A good introduction to Kawakawa; it helped me get used to the class.” A year 8 student.