Day 9 - Friday Sept. 14, 2007 We left for Coromandel and went to Manaia Marae where we participated in another Powhiri and had a big Hakari (lunch). Te Kura o Manaia has acquired special character status as a "Kura-a-iwi". The composition of the Kua-a-iwi is made up of 4 resident iwi (tribe) of Te Awaawa oManiaia (Ngati Maru, Ngati Tamatera, Ngati Whanaunga, and Ngati Pukenga). We had an interactive discussion with them on Indigenous Issues, symptoms, effects, causes and remedies tied into the current revitalization being implemented. We had a guest speaker, Chief Judge Joe Williams of the Maori Land Court and Chairperson of the Waitangi Tribunal. He is an internationally recognized expert in indigenous rights law and on of New Zealand's leading specialists in Maori issues. Unfortunately I did not get the pictures that I should have as by custom, you aren't supposed to take pictures during a Marae discussion. I only hope that those from our group got some pictures. The discussion was top notch and Judge Williams is a great presenter. The cool thing was after formalities, some of us was asked to do a "debriefing" of today's activities. We found ourselves at a "Cousins" house drinking and singing with Judge Williams leading the group! Everyone at this get-together even said how rare of an occasion that a hometown get together happens with the Judge. | 
