School Camps@Kopinga Marae FaQs
Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)
Q . Where and what is Rekohu?
A.Rekohu is located some 860 kilometres to the East of New Zealand and is more commonly known as the Chatham Islands. Rekohu means misty skies and is the traditional name for the main island of the group. The only other inhabited island (Rangiauria), is known today as Pitt Island.
Q. Where is Kopinga Marae?
A. Kopinga Marae is centrally located on the main Chatham Island See map>>
Q. Are there really any Moriori left?
A. Yes. Although the last "full-blooded" Moriori was reported as dying in 1933, he, and others have many descendants and although, technically, they may not be full-blooded-Moriori, they are, nonetheless, Moriori and full-blooded! Do you know anyone who isnt "full-blooded"? The right to claim Moriori heritage is dependent on hokopapa. Hokopapa is the Moriori word for genealogy or whakapapa. Having a Moriori ancestor gives one the right to claim the heritage.
Q. What will a school camp at Kopinga cost?
A. See School Camp Costs >>>
Q. Are Moriori New Zealanders?
A. Yes. Rekohu (the Chatham Islands) was annexed by New Zeaand in 1842 immediately ensuring that the sames rights and protections afforded all other New Zealanders applied here too.
Q. Were Moriori the "first" New Zealanders?
A. Unknown or unproven and possibly even irrelevant. What is known and gaining increasing aceptance, is that Moriori arrived here on Rekohu, about the same time that Maori arrived on the Mainland of New Zealand. Some say that they arrived here via New Zealand and other say via Rapanui (Easter Island). Others say that theycame direct from Polynesia. Most theorists agree that they came from the same place as the ancestors of todays Maori, but that they came earlier. What is certain, is that they developed, in the isolation of Rekohu, their own unique, peaceful culture, undisturbed for hundreds of years.
Click here>>>>>, or on the "map of settlement" link at the bottom of the page for a really interesting perspective on this topic
Q. Did Moriori sign the Treaty of Waitangi and if they didnt how come they are entitled to benefit from it?
A. The treaty was signed in 1840. In 1835, Moriori were the victims of aggression from two mainland Maori tribes, transported to Rekohu in two trips, on a European sailing vessel that they had chartered. In the following months hundreds of Moriori were murdered, enslaved and in some cases, eaten, by this invading army. Moriori were forbidden by their own beliefs from fighting back. By 1840, when the Treaty was being signed, Moriori numbers had declined by hundreds and those that were left were dying from despair. By 1855, there were only 205 Moriori left alive. Forbidden to marry or associate with each other, own land or occupy what was originally theirs, the remaining Moriori population were not in a position to sign anything. Fortunately for the descendents of those enslaved Moriori, the treaty doesnt specifiy an agreement between the Crown and Maori (surprised?), instead, the Treaty is an agreement between the Crown and the Natives and Chiefs of New Zealand. After 1842, this also included Moriori, as they were then a part of New Zealand, and Moriori themselves, were certainly natives. Read more about this by visiting the Rekohu Blog here>>> or clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
Q. How many people can stay at Kopinga?
A. The Marae is allowed to have 65 people staying on site overnight. Realistically, the marae can easily cater for more than double that.
Q. What facilities does the marae have?
A. The marae boasts a fully-equipped commercial kitchen, large toilet faclities, a main whare-hui, administration rooms and massive outdoor areas and decked areas. Barbecue facilities, a built-in chiller and numerous freezers are available. Check out the school camps accommodation page here>>>
The answers to more FaQs may be had at either the Official Hokotehi Website, the Education Resources website or the Rekohu Blog site, or click on any of the links below