It was a lovely day and a lovely atmosphere as children, parents and teachers gathered for the opening of Tairua School’s Te Whare Ara Moana on 29 May.
Tairua School pupils joined mums, dads and toddlers to celebrate the re-opening of the building on Tairua School grounds, which now hosts the Rudolf Steiner-based playgroup, Pinnacles Playgroup.
Tairua School principal, Juliet Small said the school and Board of Trustees were thrilled to breathe life back into the building.
“Today is a special day for many Tairua School students and their parents, who spent lots of happy hours here in this space when it was the Tairua Playcentre.”
She acknowledged Nyvonne Krause and her whanau, who gifted the new name to the building.
Maia-Jayde Konelio gave the karakia.
School leaders, Indie Waller and Blake Johnston, along with house captain, Finley Moss, spoke during the opening. They explained the meaning of the name Te Whare Ara Moana, that the building is perfectly placed between the harbour and the main road and that it bears witness to the many that journey through our beloved rohe. The proverb shared was “Ko te mauri, he mea huna ki te moana” meaning “the life force is hidden in the sea”.
“Sometimes our most powerful gifts are hidden in plain sight. Connect with your hidden gifts, your true self, and bring them to the surface.”
Coordinator of the playgroup, Michelle Cameron, says it is a place for families with children under five to meet and enjoy time exploring, playing and connecting together in a calm environment.
“I’m so excited to be part of the re-opening of this special place,” she said. “My three kids were playcentre kiddies, so it’s dear to my heart. And now I’m lucky enough to help co-ordinate this Steiner based playgroup. We are so grateful to Tairua School for providing this space for us and the community.”
Some parents involved in the original playcentre were at the opening, including Meagan Holwerda, whose three children attended.
“I’m really happy to see it open again for children of the future to enjoy as much as my family did.”
Rebecca Rowland was also involved in the previous playcentre and says it has a very special place in her heart. She said as well as benefitting the children it was also a place for parents to make friends.
Part of Tairua School, Te Whare Ara Moana is situated at the north end of the grounds and is used by the school and other groups. Pinnacles Playgroup is on Fridays, 9.30am and welcomes new families. For information email pinnaclesplaygroup@gmail.com
The junior Jiu Jitsu group will also be using the building. For more information on this group contact Dylan Curtin or Gareth Beatson tairuabjj@outlook.co.nz
