12/3/21
Today, Ōtaki College commemorated the lives lost in the battle against the SS Ōtaki and the SMS Moewa. Many important people came to the ceremony to lay a wreath down. It was a very nice day today. The sun was out and hardly any clouds. The ceremony took place outside right in front of the statue. Father Phil led the service.
Whaea Destine and Whaea Maha did the karanga and all the guests came and sat down. This was bit like a Powhiri. A Powhiri is held to welcome people who are new to a place. A karanga is sung to welcome them in. Father Phil spoke and then we all stood. I was raising the flag today so I was in front of everyone. We sang the national anthem and after Father Phil said a karakia. Matua Andy got up to do a speech, he welcomed everyone and started his speech. This took around 5-10 minutes. We then sang Ma wai ra but not very loudly. Commodore Melissa Ross spoke a few words to everyone then sat back down. Captain Roger Blake then read a historic reading. We all sang another waiata that was led by Whaea Maha. Krisha Modi (Head Girl) read a second historic reading then sat back down shortly after. Father Phil said a He karakia (Call to worship) and then the Hymn was played. It was now time for the wreaths. Some students and the visitors got up to do it. All the visitors had their name called out before going and laying the wreaths. It was now my time to do one of the flags. Mine was the SS Ōtaki flag and there were four others. There was the New Zealand, NZ Shipping Company and more. The last post was played and our flags slowly went down. Now the ode was said. It was recited in Maori first by Hinerau Henare Taiapa and then in English by Donald Hall. And now the one minute's silence.
The rouse was played and the flags were put back to full masthead. Father Phil said another karakia and then the guests were led to the hall where they had some morning tea. The part I enjoyed most was the laying of the wreaths. It was nice to honour those who died in the battle.
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