Matariki/Puanga 

Congratulations to the winners of our Matariki/Puanga whakataetae!

  • Waimamaku Playcentre
  • Karaka Playcentre
  • Welcome Bay Playcentre
  • Manurewa Playcentre
  • Koutu Playcentre

You’ve each won a $100 Playcentre Shop voucher to spend on Te Ao Māori resources and $100 voucher, to be organised by your CA!

We have loved seeing how you celebrated Matariki mā Puanga with your centre whānau and communities and how your tamariki continue to have fun despite the cold and rain!

Ngā mihi nui mō tō koutou kaha, tō koutou whakaaro nui, me tō koutou whakanui Matariki/Puanga. Ka pai tō koutou mahi!

Whaea Wai – He tino taonga

Whaea Wai Millar was raised by her grandfather and extended whānau in The Clay nestled between Nūhaka and Morere on the East Coast. Her days began with karakia, followed by tending to the māra (gardens), fishing, gathering kai moana, bathing in the river, riding horses and helping with shearing – activities deeply rooted in tikanga Māori and the rhythms of nature.

Later, Whaea Wai moved to Wellington, where her two daughters and three mokopuna live. In 2009 she took her mokopuna to Houghton Valley Playcentre, where she became involved with the bilingual sessions and completed her Level 4 Playcentre training. Her commitment to kaupapa Māori continued as she served for many years as a delegate for Te Whare Tikanga Māori.

Even after her mokopuna graduated, Whaea Wai remained a cherished presence in Playcentre, generously sharing her aroha and passion for te reo Māori and dedication to tamariki. In recent years, her commitment saw her travelling by bus and train to attend sessions at Paremata Playcentre. She would strum her ukulele and lead the mōteatea and waiata that brought whakawhanaungatanga and weaving a sense of unity and fun that became a treasured part of the day.

Becs Isaac said that “Whaea Wai has been a well-loved part of our Playcentre whānau. I will miss her mana, her dedication to tikanga and te reo, her ukelele and waiata sessions. Most of all I will miss her unwavering support and watching the bonds she has with tamariki on session.”

Charlotte Isaac and Whaea Wai pouring wai

August Isaac and Whaea Wai sing waiata

Championing te reo Māori – Whaea Wai would kōrero with tamariki and whānau, naturally weaving te reo into play, stories and everyday conversations. Her gentle encouragement helped empower parents in using te reo with their whānau.

Messy play and big smiles – from playdough to pouring water and looking after babies, Whaea Wai was often in the middle of the action. Her enthusiasm is a reminder that learning is best when it’s hands-on and shared with tamariki.

Ngā mihi nunui e te Whaea, hoki pai atu ki tō hapū – your koha of aroha uplifted parents, inspired tamariki and strengthened whānau. Enjoy your time being with whānau, gardening and playing golf in the warm east coast!

Charlotte Isaac, holding karakia with Whaea Wai

Rinoa and August Isaac play with playdough

Children and parents learn te reo Māori together

“By supporting our Playcentre parents to increase their confidence with te reo Māori we empower them to nurture the language in our children too,” says Whānau Māori team member Whaea Wai. 

You can read more about Paekākāriki Playcentre and their bilingual session published in the local newsletter, 8 May 2019

paekakariki.nz/children-and-parents-learn-te-reo-maori-together