Senior History Trip – Ruapekapeka

After the success of last year’s History day trip to the Bay of Islands,  myself and  Rina  developed a three day camp, based around History and personal development.  We visited Ruapekapeka Battle site, before heading to Waitangi and Paihia for lunch.  We then crossed over on the Opua ferry and headed for Assassination Cove.  We spent time relaxing at the cove, before completing our CV’s with Rina.

We had a cruisy start to the Thursday, before heading out in two boats to Motuarohia island.  We climbed to the lookout, at the spot where Maketu threw the Roberton family off the cliff, for which he was tried and hung in 1842.  He was the first Maori found guilty under the newly adopted  British Law.

We then visited the French explorer De Fresne’s old hospital site on  Motorua  Island, before heading to Urupukapuka Island for a snack.  We then headed back in the boats to our Base.

Friday was a lovely morning with a huge breakfast laid on.  After pack up we headed back to the vans before hitting Flagstaff Hill and Kororareka.  We visited the old church and waterfront for lunch, before returning to School.

A huge thanks goes to RIna, for organising up the Unit Standards, feeding us great kai and for sharing her wonderful place with us.   Students had many opportunities to show leadership and participate in a new and challenging experience, and most did.