Samoan culture and a culinary treat
Members and parent helpers of the Marlborough Boys College Samoan Group gather around the umu pit in preparation of serving the food. Photo: William Woodworth (5144)
Marlborough Boys College’s Samoan Group brought their cultural and culinary learnings to celebrate the end of term with Blenheim School students and parents.
Group members and parent helpers were hard at work from 7am preparing an umu feast, the Samoan equivalent to a Hāngī.
The feast was held alongside a traditional performance of Sasa dances for the students on their final day of term on Friday.
Under the watchful eye of parent Tupu Siovaeata,who lit the 7am fire for heating stones, the umu saw platter after platter arrive.
Pork, lamb, chicken potatoes, carrot, pumpkin and parsnip were served by MBC boys students and parents, alongside servings of chop suey, potato salad and pani popo coconut rolls.
College teacher and group supervisor Kalala Raeli says being invited to the celebration was a positive for everyone.
“We were invited by the school to come along to present a performance, cook the kids a special lunch and bring something different for these kids, and the boys have been incredible all day.
“The boys have brought the out the best of Samoan hospitality today with the aim of breaking down a few barriers between schools, alleviating any nerves these kids might have about high school and represent their people, country and families by showing off their culture and traditions proudly.
“Our leadership group wants to be active in the community, giving children a taste of their proud culture, increasing awareness of Pasifika traditions and creating more tuakana – teina buddy system relationships.
“They’ve got so much value out of today, and we hope that the Blenheim School kids have as well.”