The Marine Maestro – Richard de Hamel visited several Mohua (Golden Bay) Enviroschools in July 2024 as part of experiential learning opportunities offered during Matariki. Te Tai o Aorere – Tasman District Council had received a small amount of money from a local Engineering company, and chose to spend it on subsidising these visits.
There were many enthralled students eager to try their hands at some traditional Māori skills such as fire making, net building and drilling woods through rock or wood.
Creating a model fish net with harakeke.
Drilling holes using te wiri.
Making fire very quickly using kaunoti hikahika.
“Just a HUGE thank you to Tasman District Council and yourself for the partial sponsoring of the education visits from Richard de Hamel. His sessions have left a lasting memory and experience for our students and gave such educational value. We would be VERY keen to have him over next year also.” – Feedback from a Principal
Students learnt that Māori fishhooks, unlike some contemporary hooks, just catch a fish on its lip. They also learnt how easy it was to light fires with the right wood and some effort.
The hands-on learning created interest and awareness for teachers and students alike, inspired by traditional fishing methods, and the principles of kaitiakitanga. This has led to planning for further enquiry and knowledge development.