On Monday 9 October, Tāhuna Queenstown Playcentre was officially opened at the new site located at 20 Robins Road, Queenstown (adjacent to Queenstown Primary School).
At dawn, local kaumatua Ned Wepiha led the whakawātea through the building and around the playground site.
Then followed a mihi whakatau to welcome all whānui (whānau and tamariki) to the new space. Local kapa haka rōpū Te Kura tuatahi ō Tāhuna supported the tikanga Māori ceremony with waiata and a mighty haka.
The event was attended by Queenstown Playcentre whānui, Glyn Lewers, Mayor of Queenstown, representatives of the Ministry of Education, Fiona Cavanagh, Principal of Queenstown Primary School, and kaimahi of Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa (Playcentre Aotearoa).
“I am delighted to see the outcome of so many people’s hard work to provide an exciting new space for Queenstown Playcentre whānau and tamariki to play, learn and grow together,” said Playcentre Aotearoa Chief Executive, David Moger.
“We are committed to promoting and embedding tikanga Māori throughout the organisation with whakatuwhera Centre openings such as this, and we were fortunate to have Mr Wepiha and his expert leadership at this event. He tino toki ia. He mihi nunui mō tō tautoko i te kaupapa nui nei, tēnā koe e te Rangatira,” said Erana Rattray, Kaiwhakahaere Hononga Māori, Playcentre Aotearoa.
Playcentre’s core philosophy values parents as the first and best educators for their tamariki, so that whānau are strengthened and communities enriched.
New whānau are always welcome to join Queenstown Playcentre. To arrange a free visit contact [email protected].
