Picking Harekeke ( Flax )

Last week Room 19 had a amazing opportunities to walk down to Omaru Creek to pick harekeke ( flax ) . Everyone burst with excitement as we leave

We forged our way to Omaru Creek and unfold the tarps to sit on. We sat down and wait patiently for the rulers to arrive. Finally we all had a ruler.

Ms Tito explained to us the kaupapa (protocols/rules) of using harekeke ( flax ). She explained which part of the harekeke (flax) can we use and which part we can't

use. She also explained that we can't cut harekeke (flax) at night or in rainy times.

We got a pocket knife and me and my partner Lisia went to cut our flax where no one ever cut theirs. I nearly fell down the river when I went to cut my flax downwards.

After that Ms Tito whistled for all of us to come and start preparing for plating the putiputi ( flower ). She told us to slice of the red lining on both sides. I wanted to weave it but I had to go to Pt England Band.

I enjoyed cuting the harekeke and preparing it.