Ahoy Waitangi

At the end of last year, year 5 students in Te Kauru were encouraged to enter a competition. The students had to create something to share what is special about Waitangi Day. This could be a poem, song, animation, video, etc.

Bailey created this amazing animation which won first prize.

So on the 5th of February, Te Kauru students set sail on the HMNZS WELLINGTON, cruising the harbour from Opua Wharf to Paihia.

The excitement when the students first spotted the Navy Frigate.

Safety briefing first, before boarding the HMNZS WELLINGTON.

HMNZS WELLINGTON

Safety Gear required for riding in the Rhibs.

Lowering the Rhib into the water for the first group.

First group ready to go for their Rhib ride.

Sleeping quarters.

Fire fighting gear on board the HMNZS WELLINGTON.

Fire fighting training. - Jasmine

Fire fighting training. - Kobe

Fire fighting training. - Leah

Fire fighting training. - Paige

The Navy Seals performing a Haka for both schools at the end of the day.

This week in class we have been writing "Moment in Times" to share a snapshot of our experience on board the Navy Frigate.

Navy Trip by Bailey

I could feel a nasty sickness brewing up inside as I listened to the steady rumble of the RHIB boat engine. We held our breath as we waited and waited and waited for the boat to touch the calm water. Then we were off!! whizzing past the navy frigate as we all tried to obtain our balance. Suddenly I felt an eager pulse going through my body as soon as we saw a dolphin breaking the surface of the water with its glorious jump. That’s when I realised that the RHIB rides weren’t so bad after all.

MOMENT IN TIME - NAVY FRIGATE by Elly

Splash! We were off, all ready I was feeling sick and a little bit disorientated.

“Woohoo”! Everyone was having the time of their life… but me. I kept thinking I was about to fall off and that it would be the end for me. The Rhib boat started to move towards the main Navy frigate and the giant swell was slamming against us.

All of a sudden crew members were firing water at us making my shoes flood with an abundance of water and causing my hands to slip right off the handle in front of me.

“Yuck”! This salt water tastes disgusting.

I was sliding around on my seat as I realised this was actually really amusing.



Rhib riding: A moment in time by Paige

The first thing that caught my eye was the rhib boats on each side of the navy ship. When it was my turn I was ready with my life jacket on and courage. ZOOM! We went as soon as we hit the water. I saw playful dolphins swimming, creating bubbles as they dived. People behind me screamed and yet I could hear them over the BOOMING motor. The calm waves hitting the boat rocked us a little. The smell was as salty as the sea and so was the taste. Blech. The wind was cruising through my hair as if it were worms swarming through. The sea water splashing in the small boat covered me and the handlebars that I need to hold on to. Slippery enough for me to think to myself, “Don’t let go or you will fly of like a plane without wings, diving into the ocean floor.” I held on tightly with my legs and my hands, screaming as the boat lifted off the ocean’s surface. But wow, was the view breathtaking. I was disappointed because I wanted another go but sadly, I wasn’t allowed to.