On Monday 12 August we excitedly gathered at North Beach Playcentre for the whakatuwhera (opening ceremony).
We followed a tikanga Māori process in line with our Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi values of tika, pono, aroha, te reo, maramatanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga. Each of these concepts were on display today as we came together as one for the collective purpose of reopening the centre.
Whanaungatanga is based on the root word whānau, acknowledging the close relationships and bonds that are formed through collective Playcentre experiences that provide a sense of belonging. We heard from Tangata Tiriti Trustee Fran Cowie about how we are all united under the korowai of aroha for Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi – Playcentre Aotearoa.
Kaitiakitanga stems from the root word tiaki, which means to guard, care for and conserve. The prefix kai indicates the person who does the action and, therefore, the meaning of kaitiaki becomes guardian or trustee of Playcentre tamariki, whānau and the centre, and our kaitiaki David Moger Chief Executive shared his thoughts of kaitiakitanga with us.
Manaakitanga conveys notions of hospitality, based on the compound word manaaki, which means to support and respect. It also encapsulates the root word mana, a person could enhance her or his mana by being generous and sharing with others. I acknowledge Louise Tavinor for her manaakitanga (delicious scones) and for all the manaaki expressed between the regional team and centre whānau to get the centre up and running today.
Today we incorporated tikanga Māori practices, including opening karakia, waiata, mihimihi, koha and sharing kai. The rain was a good tohu sign from Rangi-nui, raindrops fell to help water and nurture the gifted tree. It was lovely to see tamariki helping shovel potting mix around the tree roots and just like apple trees needs aroha, manaaki and kaitiaki, the North Beach centre, pēpi, tamariki and whānau also need to invoke each of these values to ensure North Beach grows strong like the apple tree and bears abundant fruit for the whole community.
Ngā mihi mahana, Whaea Erana Rattray, Playcentre Professional Learning and Development Facilitator and Tutor.
