Waatea Marae was honoured to welcome a First Nations rōpu from Canada onto the pae today. The manuhiri and our whānau here at Waatea exchanged waiata, koha and a quick kōrero over a kai iti in the Radio Station as we shared stories of our communities and experiences as indigenous peoples.

The pōhiri was rich in culture and allowed a space for two peoples from different whenua to unite as one, in which we all recognised and acknowledged the similar battles we face as native people. Like many brave Māori relearning their Reo in Aotearoa, members of the First Nations group here today also see the importance of reclaiming their reo and tribal languages.

What a fantastic experience for our kaimahi and Waatea School tamariki, one which we will never forget.

He ahi e kore e mātao!