Rolling Hills and Breathtaking Bays - imagine it bushclad, a fortified paa, gardens and whare scattered along the hillside with a vibrant birdlife.

 As I drove a vanload of my students out towards Oihi Bay last Thursday afternoon, I couldn't help but wonder what the first missionaries and settlers may have felt arriving on these shores - excitement, trepidation or hope?

We all have our own whakapapa and our own histories. They make us who we are. We are also, all connected. As this school our vision and purpose is to follow the way of Christ, seek his Truth and Excel in life. Throughout this term our primary school have been learning that history is important, fascinating and complex; the same experience can be expressed and interpreted differently. Some topics include the retelling of Kupe's journey, t\ the Battle of Kororareka, Pompelliar House and the establishment early Christian missions. 

Last week we went to Ranihoua, the first Christian mission in New Zealand. At the top of the hill the class was put into groups of five. All groups were tasked with finding out certain information.  For the next hour we worked together to find information and form our responses as we walked down towards Marsden Cross. 

After dinner the groups shared the historical information they found out. We could get a sense of what the area was like in 1815 and who was there. As the sun sank behind the hills Komene led the class in a haka on the shoreline and explained its significance and meaning. 

The moon was so bright coming up behind the hill, almost like a floodlight. Most of us prayed, thanking God for this whenua and the Good News that was brought here. During prayer time the kiwi started their calls. We were lucky to hear them so close!

It's safe to say, once the class took off  to see the kiwi the kiwi all scarpered! Although kiwi are practically blind, their super keen sense of hearing meant most of the class did not get to see them. Good lesson in knowing when to shut your mouths, class. 

 We thank God for sending Jesus to earth to die for our sins so we can be made right with him. We thank him for the people of faith who brought the good news of Jesus to New Zealand.  We hope everyone has an amazing Easter holiday with their family and friends.