Passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII

Kōanga, the season of Spring heralds a season of transformation, and recent weeks have been no exception. We’ve witnessed significant change with the passing of the esteemed leader, Te Ariki Nui, Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII. As we honour his legacy, his service and his vision of kotahitanga,  we embrace a new chapter for Aotearoa with his daughter, Nga wai hono i te po Pootatau Te Wherowhero VIII, the new monarch, Te Arikinui Kuini of the Kiingitanga.

Mai taku pito ake, ka puta
He wahine, he wahine, he wahine
Hei hautū mā tātou

From my very essence, will derive
A woman, a woman, a woman
Who will lead and guide our people into the future

(Kiingi Taawhiao 1822 – 1894)

Rules

The new Rules accompanying the Trust Deed are officially in effect from 1 September 2024. This is a pivotal moment that represents a major step for Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi, Playcentre Aotearoa. This significant piece of work is an achievement that reflects over two years of dedicated effort, collaboration, and commitment from our people. These Rules, aligned with our Philosophy and values, are an essential part of our robust governance framework. Kāore e ārikirika ngā mihi, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Rules Kapa Mahi, contributors and to all whānau Māori and Centre members who participated in the consultation process.

From those contributions, a legacy piece has been created which ensures Playcentre Aotearoa will continue to be our village, where pēpi and tamariki thrive, whānau find and build communities and Playcentre continues to exemplify Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi.

Election of Trustees

In the coming week, voting papers for the trustee election and candidate outlines will be sent via email to all primary contact caregivers. We encourage everyone to take an active role in the election of trustees by casting your vote. Each whare has one trustee position available and your involvement is important in shaping the leadership of the organisation.

Te Puāwaitanga o Atareta Playcentre 10th Anniversary

 Puāwaitanga o Atareta Playcentre opened its doors a decade ago, but its roots trace back to the now-closed Remuera Playcentre. After the Centre was closed, the families of Remuera Playcentre were determined that a Playcentre would, one day, thrive again in their community. They raised many thousands of dollars of “seed money” that was entrusted to the Auckland Playcentres Association. After years of meticulous planning, securing grants, and unwavering support from the other 16 Auckland Centres, land was purchased and the construction of the building was completed. 

Manutaki Maurua, Hayley and Heather, were delighted to attend the 10th anniversary of Te Puāwaitanga o Atareta Playcentre, as past Governance Board members of Auckland Association. Dedicated Centre members organised a wonderful afternoon with a fabulous birthday cake, face painting, BBQ, disco, the planting of a native tree and a “history wall” about the Centre’s establishment.

As September marks Mahuru Māori and the beginning of Te Wiki o te reo Māori on 14 September it’s appropriate to share the profound meaning and history of the name Te Puāwaitanga o Atareta Playcentre.

Over many months, beginning in 2013, Heather liaised with Celes Hawke and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei kaumatua. The name “Te Puāwaitanga o Atareta” was given to the Centre with Kaumatua Wirihana (Bob) Hawke officially opening the Centre in 2014.

Te Puāwaitanga o Atareta honours Atareta Tuha Te Kawau, an esteemed woman and granddaughter of Tūperiri, chief of Te Taoū, a hapū of Ngāti Whātua. She was the sister of Apihai Te Kawau, who signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi and gifted 3000 acres to establish Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). Atareta is known for her leadership and endeavours to support and empower her people during a period of profound change in Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa history.

The name Te Puāwaitanga o Atareta translates to the flourishing or realisation of potential of Atareta, symbolising the nurturing of tamariki mokopuna and whānau both now and in the future, and pays tribute to Atareta Tuha Te Kawau and her descendants, tangata whenua of Tāmaki Makaurau, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.

Nō reira, kia kaha, kia mahorahora te reo Māori e te whānau! Kia maiea te marama tuatahi o Kōanga.

 

Nā mātou noa nā,

Alice, Andrea, Bes, Fran, Hayley, Heather mātou ko Peta.