Port Ahuriri

Nau mai, Haere mai  Port Ahuriri Playcentre is anchored in the suburb of Ahuriri surrounded by eclectic mix of homes,business ,cafes, shops and fishing boats. We have been a centre of play for 44  years (as of 2018) and been in an over century old railway cottage since 1980.      You can’t miss us we are purple mauve 🙂                         

A home away from home, our focus is on children learning through self  chosen play with the care and love of parents, nurtured  in a natural environment , equally a place for parents to learn and grow along side their children and community – Parent and child both teacher and learner together.  Home is where the heart is .💜

Two symbols reflect our values and beliefs,and reflect our connection to the community and culture that the centre resides in and alongside the Playcentre Philosophy. 

 The Walnut tree which grows strong at our centre – Wisdom. Our hope is we are a place that embraces, gives, recieves,honours each other’s wisdoms and provides for a sense of wonder and awe and a  love of learning that opens up the incredible possibilities there are for us all.       

Your potiential is like a seed in a garden of possibilities always ready to bloom into more splendid colours .     Lorie Geishemer.

The Hei matau the fish hook representing prosperity , good health and respect for the sea, there  is a whale/dolphin tail at the end of the hook, this is a symbol of protection and strength with sensitivity. Both symbols link to fertility.    Say no more:) 

Maori legend holds that the shape of Hawke’s Bay is the Hei Matau used that Māui to fish up Te ika a Māui, the North  Island , Ahuriri estuary was a principle source of kaimoana for Maori and the domain of the ancestral kaitiaki Moremore, son of Pania.      

This is the place where our centre is anchored and sheltered, a sanctuary to play and create, make friends and grow.      

Childhood doesn’t last forever, but the connections we create with our children last a life time. L.R. Knost