Last Friday the Year 11 Geography class, Mrs Stevens and parents, went on an exciting trip to Otuataua Stonefields to gain an insight into the history of the Maori land, and the perspectives of the people who are protesting against the SHA 62 housing development.
The students were particularly curious to find out about the archaeology of the sacred grounds, the ancient burial sight (urupa) and Maori relics and artifacts unearthed on the site. Whilst learning all this the small group also trekked through the restored land and had an introduction to the ongoing debate around the proposed building development.
They also met a spokeswoman, Pania, of the SOUL (save our unique landscape) group that are from the village and are fighting for the land to be cherished. Pania and another spokeswoman talked passionately about saving the land, moving many of the Year 11 students, even making some of our teachers and parents cry.
The trip was a moving experience for our Year 11 Geography class, teaching them the importance of standing up for your heritage and your culture’s history, as illustrated by Pania and her fight against the housing development along the Stonefield borders. This allowed our students to develop a deeper understanding of the sacredness of this beautiful place we call home.
Tiaki i to taiao ahurei – save our unique landscape.
Francesca Adams
