Day two of the regional visit to Te Tai Tokerau began with Dame Cindy being interviewed by the Luke Bird, Marica Hopa and Phoenix Ruka – hosts of E Ara E Mara on Ngāti Hine FM, followed by a breakfast with Whangārei Mayor Vince Cocorullo and Deputy Mayor Phil Halse.
Next, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies visited Te Kura o Otangarei to learn more about the kura’s involvement with the I Have A Dream programme. This initiative pairs students – or dreamers – with a navigator, who becomes a positive role model for the student. The navigators support the dreamers from when they begin school, right through to tertiary study. After the students at Te Kura o Otangarei led a mihi whakatau to welcome Dame Cindy and Dr Davies, they took part in some activities with the dreamers and the navigators, and were also gifted some classic red bands personalised by the students.
Next, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies experienced their very first journey as crew in a waka tētē. Renowned waka hourua captain Jolene Busby was on board to direct the crew, which included students from Te Kapehu Whetu Kura. The hour-long journey on the calm waters of Hātea River started and ended at Whangārei Marina, and provided opportunities for Dame Cindy and Dr Davies to practise vital skills such as paddling, keeping time with other kaihoe, and bailing water out of the waka. Mid point was in front of Te Kapehu Whetu Kura, where the assembled students performed haka and sang waiata.
To end the day, Dame Cindy and Dr Davies met with youth leaders who are heavily involved in the Northland community.
For more photos, click here: Te Tai Tokerau Regional Visit Day Two media gallery.