Farewell

Hone was farewelled today by the Whanau (the school and wider Maori community).

For weeks now the kids (and teachers) have been preparing for it; making flax flowers and practising their waiatas (songs) and Haka. My office is right next to the Whanau room and I've been treated to a few sneak previews.

Today, that all culminated in Hone's farewell.

In a society where young people (Maori youth, especially) are often slated as being unmotivated and disrespectful, seeing all the hard work and effort these young people have put into today was really quite emotional. They have given up hours of their time to prepare and put their heart and souls into today's performance. Some of the boys came away with bleeding chests from slapping and scratching themselves (part of their Haka) and all of them were blue with the cold as there is quite a lot of sitting around to be done.

They entered into the experience with smiles and enthusiasm. For the most part, they were polite and respectful to all of us 'oldies' and made for a thoroughly pleasant experience for all.

I'm not sure if it's because I've just completed my 9th 'non-complaining' day or because of the atmosphere at school today, but though I half expected to be bored (I don't speak Te Reo Maori) and chilly, I was neither and really enjoyed the occasion.

Hone had a huge smile on his face, knowing that he will be missed by all of us and that he is a hugely repected member of the community.

BTW - thank you for all your lovely comments yesterday. They were all very much appreciated. Also, Canterbury is coming right now and doesn't seem to be half as snotty. So a good day all in all.

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Rio sunset