One hundred and ten years ago a rangatira named ‘Iraia Kuao’ fought for land and a school to be established here in Tautoro.
The day started out with a powhiri. We welcomed our manuhiri with Papa Joe and Matua Mitai supporting our taumata. The first song Te Matua made the ex students smile when we were singing, some of them were even humming along with us.
The school had to wait for a little while because the hangi was running a bit late, so we decided to start the games of old. We got into our groups and we played several games the students use to play 100 years ago. The first game we played was marbles and then hopscotch then we played spinning tops and then skipping.
Finally the hangi arrived to a smell we could not resist. I quickly rushed to receive a big hangi to myself, that tasted almost better than delicious.
I thought that the day was amazing seeing the ex students so happy and having fun. I am so glad to be a part of this day.
Happy birthday Tautoro School.
