XR Te-Whanganui-a-Tara recently had the privilege of being hosted by Koraunui Marae in Stokes Valley for the first XR Noho Marae in Aotearoa. Caz has kindly shared her experience of the weekend.

On a slightly overcast early summer day we were called onto the marae atea, advancing with us women singing “rising up”. We were formally and warmly welcomed on by Haimana from XR Te-Whanganui-a-Tara and whanau in a pōwhiri. After the Hongi, Haimana spoke about the whare, the welcome offered to us, our many levels of connection and work. Jamie then offered a korero to represent us and our mission as XR, and why it was so important for us to connect with the tangata whenua in our region.

We then moved into the wharekai where Vicky spoke about the history of the land, once a swamp that acted as a food basket for surrounding iwi and was drained by pakeha to build houses. Koraunui Marae itself was established mostly by a bunch of strong women of the community with the help of the Catholic Church. Ali then spoke specifically of the key intention to bring forward Te Reo there in the 80’s and this as the ongoing mission of Koranui.

In the afternoon, our group settled into the session for getting to know each other, building trust and community – the whakawhanaungatanga. Indeed this speaking brought many surprises and a deepening appreciation of each other. We also took some time to perfect the waiata “Te Pu” (the seed), which we often sing to open and close our meetings. The words and actions tell of the growth of a plant, so feels particularly appropriate for XR. We also ran a “fears circle” as a form of regenerative culture. Asking each other to name and acknowledge our collective and individual fears of the climate crisis.

Then it was time for wonderful food – home cooked delicacies we’d brought, and great trays of baked veggies and salad prepared in situ (mostly by Tamati – thank you for your mahi!). Feasting and talking and connecting – so joyful.

After this Gina had arrived, with guitar, to take us through some singing and dancing – some Celtic, some Maori, including “Kotahi tonu te wairua ki nga mea katoa” celebrating the spirit that pervades everything. And then, joyful and undaunted by the hour, we had a deep and honest discussion of a potential 4th Demand, which would ensure that the rights of tangata whenua are embedded in XR Aotearoa. We spoke about the point its wording has reached already, and all the intricacies and issues it raises for all present. Powerful and vital work!

Sunday morning took early risers for a bush walk in beautiful local regenerating bush. We then engaged in looking at Self Organising Systems. This is ongoing work within our group that helps bring transparency to the different working groups and people’s roles within them.

I was asked to do the poroporoaki karakia to thank the hosts, the whare, ancestors, acknowledge the connections we had made and our ongoing intentions to stay strong in our rebellion to save us all from extinction. It was scary taking this responsibility but people were happy – nothing quite like having to step up to an new responsibility! We sang Te Pu again and Haimana gave a karakia to thank us all and wish us well.

Altogether this noho marae was a beautiful and enriching experience, both for the whanaunatanga and for the depth in the practical discussions and workshops. It is with a great sense of gratitude that I sincerely hope we are able to do this again and that more rebels are able to gather on marae as tau iwi and tangata whenua, within XR, deepening our connection and understanding of ourselves and each other in this land that holds us.