Te Haerenga:Update four Date:30th May 2007
update one two three five Hawaii
Te Haerenga back in Kawhia!
Te Haerenga turns to the west for the last time as Kawhia hosted our fourth noho Marae at Waipapa. This weekend has been a ‘cherry on top’ kind of weekend and also a weekend that challenged us not to shrink back and a reminder that after all you have done then stand.
The weekend unfolds
Friday night
It was great to be back at Waipapa again, to be welcomed by the locals and set up camp in the majestic wharenui Taku Hiahia. Kawhia kept up to its reputation of bountiful food in which watercress was a sure winner for many. So after a good feed of watercress we gathered in the whare to share some of the highlights of our week. “my highlight is coming here to Kawhia and to be with the whanau again” It was good hearing from different ones as we went around the room. We could all identify with each others highlights and even low lights.
Following that we began to learn a chant that speaks of a journey throughout Aotearoa, beginning at te Waka a Maaui (the south Island) then moving to te Ika a Maaui (the north Island) coming up te Hiku o te Ika (the top of the North Island) it then mentions the 4 winds and goes into what we do as Island Breeze.
Saturday
Guest speaker: Frank Naea was our guest speaker this weekend and touched on many things. He talked about identity and how words have a huge effect on our lives and in a way, helps create our identity. We have heard of the saying “sticks and stones may break our bones but names will never hurt me” but life and death are in the power of the tongue.
There is a caution for us to be aware of what we say as it can affect others dramatically. One degree of change can make a huge difference!
Often times we hear “you will never amount to nothing”,“you are hopeless”, “you are no good”, etc and unfortunately many grow up to prove those statements to be true.
Frank talked about a story in Genesis where Adam & Eve were ashamed because of their nakedness. God said “who told you?” As he spoke further on that we realized that we are fathered in many ways and part of Fathering is introducing your children to things. So for many we get our introductions from other sources, ie friends, media etc we have been fathered by the father of lies and not by the truth, thus creating our identity on lies. The “who told you” question brings us back to alignment with God’s heart and original intentions for life.
One degree of change makes a huge difference, good or bad.
Workshop:
Maurakau was our workshop on Saturday. Chris Wiremu, Mani, Jackson and a Fijian brother came down from Auckland to run this workshop. Last noho marae the focus was on hand-eye coordination and foot work using rakau (stick).
This weekend was a revision on that as well as learning offensive and defensive moves with rakau. “what an awesome way to teach about Spiritual warfare” Everyone loved it. It was 3 hours of solid drilling, teaching about discipline, being alert, standing strong against challenges that come our way in life, not giving up, character building etc. All these values were taught and tested amongst us.
Kids programme:
The kids were looked after by those who participated in last years Te Haerenga. Different age groups participated in Maurakau, some made things, drew pictures and played at the park. Later that night they watched a DVD.
Saturday night:
On Saturday night we talked about Hawaii and went through the ‘handy dandy helpful hints book’ in preparation for Hawaii. We watched some footage of last years journey and had time to answer questions.
Following that we spent more time with Frank who talked about not giving in.
Sunday Morning:
Well, what an awesome morning this was. It really was the ‘cream of the crop, the cherry on top’. Frank Naea lead us in a time of prayer, the parents praying over those who are not parents, the men praying for the women and visa versa.
Many tears were shared as forgiveness, humility and love was released amongst us. It certainly was a special time which ushered in God’s presence that morning.
This was a perfect lead up to what unfolded next with Jason Hotere from Team Xtreme. Jason, who is no stranger to physical feats shared his story, ripped a telephone book in half, bent steel bars using his teeth and blew up a hot water bottle until it burst; captivating the crowd with ease. With intervals of DVD presentations in between each item and story, the gospel was clearly presented.
What followed was amazing and definitely a highlight for many and that was seeing youth and children respond to the challenge of being staunch and brave for Jesus, of having Him take control of our lives. There was hardly a dry eye in the place. It was a wonderful experience that morning, a morning we could not have planned.
Poroaki: (farwells)
During lunch we said our normal poroaki and thanked the host, those who have been working hard in the background. Songs were sung, highlights shared, hakas performed in honor of one another and to the Lord.
We wrapped everything up by watching a production of “maaui” which was done by a local family who are very much involved in the community and tours throughout NZ doing performing arts, promoting health, maori values and inspiring people to strive to their full potential.
As we watched the tradition/contemporary story of maaui, it embraced what God was talking to us about, being strong, following our dreams.
Thanks: Thank you to Ngati Hikairo for allowing us to use Waipapa marae, Frank Naea, Jason Hotere, Chris & the boyz, David Moko, Robynne, Jack & Jerreck, all the workers and participants! Ngaa mihi nui ki a koutou katoa!
Our next and final gathering is 15th – 17th June at Maungatapu Marae in Tauranga! Our guest speaker is Pane Kawhia and Luke Kaa Morgan.
‘Yeah, what ever’
We need some help
please contact us should you wish to make a financial contribution info@islandbreeze.org.nz
Until next time.
Ma te Runga rawa koutou hei manaaki!
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