Page 33 - NHS Beyond the Classroom

In Tahaa we were hosted by a friendly and due to bad weather conditions, only those who
hospitable village. One of the highlights of our stay dared to go attempted the climb.
there was a short launch trip to the motu where we The long and difficult trek was made
were treated to our first glimpse of paradise. enjoyable by the humour shared within the party
White sand, palm trees, sparkling clear water and the breathtaking view. Near the summit we
and tropical fish - not to mention the kinas with came across a waterfall in which we had a well-
spikes the length of an average forearm! The deserved and revitalising swim. Finally we reached
“warehouse” snorkel sets owned by the majority of the area where the elusive tiare apetahi bloomed.
the group were well put to use. We were also given The sight of those delicate white flowers more than
a guided tour of Tahaa’s beautiful landscape and compensated for the arduous climb.
were told about the island’s historical background Another aspect of the island which was of
and its relevance to the Maaori people. particular interest to us from Waikato was the
It was with much sadness that we farewelled pointing out of the harbour where the Tainui canoe
Tahaa and boarded the “Temehani” ferry (a marked was said to have been first launched. This
improvement on the Tapoio) which was headed for significant spot had been marked by the
the shored of Raiatea.. establishment of a beach.
Raiatea was relatively modern on comparison Throughout our stay we found that all the
with Tahaa and was more suited to accommodate Tahitians we came in contact with were warm and
tourists. There were several highlights of our stay genial. Although they may have been poor, they
there, one of them being our visit to what is gave generously of what little they had. This
considered the most sacred of all marae within loving, friendly nature of a people so similar to the
Polynesia - Taputapuatea. It is legend that our Maaori was evident in the many schools and
ancestors performed their farewell rituals there villages we visited.
before departing in search of new lands. As a form of thanks to those who had hosted
Strict protocol and karakia performed by our us, we gave numerous performances. Despite the
kaumatua was required before entry onto the unaccustomed heat and often weariness of the
marae. The unseen presence of our forebears was group, we performed to the best of our abilities and
felt by all and it was with much reverence that we were well received. Taonga were exchanged as
listened to everything that was said. A greenstone another gesture of appreciation, and family
Taonga was presented to the sacred altar as a connections were also established by those such as
symbol of salutation. the Tupaea’s.
Our pursuit of the “tiare apetahi”, the rare The night before we left we were treated to a
and sacred Tahitian flower found only on Mount Tahitian farewell with a massive feast, exquisite
Temehani, was another significant feature. Initially Tahitian girls performing the hula and the
the entire group was scheduled to go. However, presentation of gifts and speeches. For the group it

Resting on Mt Temehani after climbing to find the rare and sacred Tiare Apetahi flower.