Ko te taurapa o te waka te mauka Ko te ara o Kewa te moana Ka moutere Titi te taoka Ko Kai Tahu te takata whenua Tihe mauri ora Harawini Atawera The sternpost of the canoe is the mountain The pathway of Kewa is the sea The Titi Islands are the treasure The people are Kai Tahu I sneeze I am alive

In support of cultural participation Mariana – A Case Study Sabbatical Report, Bruce Pagan, July 2009

Going mutton birding is eagerly anticipated each year.

It’s an honour and privilege to go. Words in italics are Marianas

It has given me confidence when working alongside others.

I find it easier to relate to people of all ages.

I reckon I get along with most people.

It has given me respect for others and my situation.

I have more respect for things like when adults say the younger generation don’t appreciate things.

Well I do, because I’ve lived without many of the mod cons . . .

And you can’t run away from things or slam doors – you have to deal with it.

Better relationships with my Mum makes me appreciative.

I know I have to be on top of things so that I can go forward.

I get to do something that not many others get to do.

I get to spend time with my Mum.

I listen to everyone’s stories from when they were little – the time they spent on the island – like walking around the island on the rocks . . . making huts . .

Listening to them all snore – (she says with a glisten in her eyes) it’s a sort of comforting sound knowing everyone’s around you.

All the saddle back birds, parakeets, tomtits, tuis . . .

Fishing with Tiny – time spent with him is cool – he always has something to say – there’s a reason behind everything – he knows what he’s on about.

I am so much more motivated I am so much more motivated. I am doing something that means so much more for me.

I was able to bring in many elements of the island into my life . . . The para cave, sunsets, Stewart Island, lizards . . .

I gained excellence in NZCEA credits for art

I passed my first ever English speech – it was on mutton birding.

I am learning something that my great great nana did I am learning something that my great great nana did . . . Why and how they did the things they did – it gives me more appreciation of life.

School has supported me in going to the island.

I’m not learning to count to seven like 1, 2, 3, I’m not learning to count to seven like 1, 2, 3, . . . I’m learning how to count when I’m working the birds, preparing them, packing them – although we play heaps of games.

I am learning relationship skills; working alongside others, appreciating things more.

Learning life skills; what that type of kelp is used for – the berries – trees for fire wood, how to cook on the open fire – how to use the things you’ve got.

Becoming a confident individual; confident in herself and in her world. ©Bruce Pagan, 32 Hastings Street, Kaikoura,2009