Youngsters journey into iwi's past

SPECIAL TRIP: Tamariki from Ngatiwai set out on the R Tucker Thompson on a trip where they are learning life skills and stories about their tupuna. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

As Ngatiwai youth travel along the Northland iwi's moana they will hear stories about their tupuna and see where they took place.

Eleven Ngatiwai youth aged 14 to 18 are currently on board the R Tucker Thompson sailing on iwi moana while being given a lesson on the iwi's history by local kaumatua Rodney Ngawaka.

Ngatiwai communications adviser Barry Caldwell said the trip meant the youth are able to hear about the iwi's history in the place it happened.

"It connects them to Ngatiwai. I believe they stopped at Helena Bay and visited a pa and heard the stories from Rodney.

"It gives them the opportunity to participate and gives them skills that are valuable."

The group set off from Opua on Monday, went through the Hole in the Rock, travelled to the Poor Knights, the Hen and Chicken islands and around Little Barrier Island and Great Barrier Island.

It is the second year Ngatiwai have been sending youth out but this year Mr Caldwell said it was special as the trip coincided with the 30th anniversary of the R Tucker Thompson.

"It's pretty amazing that our kids get to be a part of that. Our tamariki will carry these skills and experiences with them forever," he said.

Mr Caldwell said the ship docks at the Marsden Cove Marina tomorrow at 1.30pm.

He said while he knew the kids were having the time of their lives, some had been making requests for takeaways.