2024 – Report from Kris Dando and Whaea Ceri
Makahika 2024 is an experience that our tamariki – and the accompanying parents and teachers – won’t forget very quickly.
Day 1 – After a few false starts on Tuesday, with our bus delayed three hours and then the driver needing to make a mandatory break (at Otaki), we arrived later than expected. The adults were immediately given a pleasant surprise, with a large cell tower looming over the main lodge.
Our young people were given bunk rooms to stay in the first night in the main lodge and naturally struggled to settle on night 1, after an afternoon of zip lining, high ropes and, after dark, some fast and furious games of spotlight. Zip lining and high ropes really put some out of their comfort zone, but everyone responded so well, with lots of encouragement and more than a few laughs. It was brilliant and satisfying to watch.
Day 2 – was a looooong walk into the hinterland. It was a wet start and one of the parents (Kris) handed out lessons in gutterball as we waited our final instructions. Not long after 9am we were striding down a road, then into farmland, with the obligatory cow pats and electric fence shock (how many people can we get in a line to be shocked?) providing distractions.
The river walk in dense bush put our tamariki out of their comfort zone. The water was cold and shoes and socks got soaked but there was chatter and giggling during an experience shared. After climbing up a big hill, over roots and thinning trees, it was back to camp. More than 12km were put in and there were some weary bodies at Bush City – tasty burgers, toasted marshmallows and some scary stories were the order of the evening.
Day 3 – and we were introduced to Al. the bushcraft/survival specialist whoput the kids on notice early about listening and respect…… and they responded in kind. Building bivouacs, fires and then a chest-deep river crossing to finish, tested all their skills of leadership, teamwork and thinking outside the box. Al pushed them at every step and our year 6s stepped up.
Day 4 – dawned at Tent City and our final day of camp wasn’t any less busy. The tamariki were tasked with an adventure race that drew upon all the teamwork and new learning from the days before. Split into teams, the tamariki had to learn the skills of orienteering to find markers and earn “points” that bought them high-scoring challenges (IF they were able to complete them!). Then they were let loose into the bush around camp. They all worked cooperatively to score as many points as possible to win prizes like a Makahika limited edition rock or a special Makahika leaf.
Prizes or not, the way the tamariki worked together was an impressive testament to their KORAU values. With that, we loaded up onto the bus and made our way back to kura.
Makahika is a superb experience that Koraunui is fortunate to be invited to. Our tamariki had long days and early starts, they needed to constantly listen to instructors to be safe. They slept in bunks and tents, and were given tasks and responsibilities all four days, but the smiles were wide as this outstanding outdoor centre pushed them all the way. There were squeals and laughter, bumps and bruises – but they did it together.
What an incredible week for our seniors, something that will endure in their memories for some time. Thank you to the parents who attended and the patience of our Koraunui staff.