Diamond Harbour Playcentre unveiled a new pou that was gifted by their community to the centre on 15 September 2022.
A local community member, Wally Hemapo, donated an old telephone pole to the centre to be used specifically as a pou. Mr Hemapo carved a beautiful depiction of a “mother and baby” koru wrapped in a korowai at the top of the pou.
Local artist, Rebecca Gibbs, painted the pou, with help from tamariki from the centre.
“Rebecca designed a beautiful harakeke to represent our Playcentre whānau, with the ocean, mountains, river and land in the background. The centre tamariki filled in background areas with colourful fingerprints,” explained Olivia Sinclair, Diamond Harbour Playcentre member.
“Several Playcentre whānau were also instrumental in making this project happen,” said Sinclair.
Playcentre Aotearoa’s Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori (Māori Relationship Manager)
Erana Rattray who attended the unveiling ceremony for the pou said, “It was wonderful to be able to weave te reo me ōna tikanga Māori throughout the ceremony and for Playcentre tamariki and their whānau to experience our rich culture, connecting the centre to the wider community.”
“We recited karakia timatanga, mihi whakatau, sang waiata and Mr Hemapo and Ms Gibbs delivered whaikōrero, tamariki placed pītau (ferns) at the base of the pou and afterwards our tamariki led karakia kai and we shared kai together,” explained Ms Rattray.
Diamond Harbour Playcentre welcomes whānau with tamariki aged 0-6 years. To organise a free visit contact [email protected].
Diamond Harbour Playcentre’s new pou being admired by the tamariki.
