It was an exciting and highly successful term for the Hillary Team, culminating in our recent trip to the Christchurch Central Business District (CBD) on Tuesday, December 9th. This outing was a part of our inquiry into understanding the significant Ngāi Tahu influence on the post-earthquake rebuild and cultural landscape of the city centre.
Co-operative Challenges: Ngātahi – Working Together
The day began with a series of spirited co-operative challenges designed to test our students’ teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. From navigating imaginary rivers to solving intricate puzzles as a single unit, the Hillary students demonstrated incredible team spirit and resilience.
Cultural Artifact Scavenger Hunt: Uncovering Ngāi Tahu’s Influence
The day’s main focus was the Cultural Artifact Scavenger Hunt. Armed with maps and clues, our students became urban explorers, carefully navigating the streets of the CBD. Their mission was to identify, locate, and document various cultural artifacts and design elements that reflect the history, narratives, and values of Ngāi Tahu, the mana whenua of the region.
The students were challenged to look beyond the surface of the new buildings and public spaces to discover the deeper layers of cultural significance. They successfully identified and learned about key features, including:
- Public Artworks: Exploring pieces that tell traditional stories or depict significant figures.
- Avenues and Waterways: Understanding how the design incorporates the original natural landscape and the significance of waterways like the Ōtākaro Avon River.
- Māori Place Names and Signage: Recognising the importance of dual naming and the use of te reo Māori in the environment.
This hands-on exploration provided a powerful, real-world context for their learning, showing them exactly how the Ngāi Tahu vision is woven into the fabric of the rebuilt CBD.
A massive thank you also goes to the parent helpers who joined us. Your support was invaluable in ensuring the day ran smoothly and safely.
