Otamara¯kau kindy opens doors

tamara¯kau Inspired Kindy was a height of activity last week as lastminute touches were completed in preparation for the official opening.

The opening began with a po¯whiri with Nga¯ti Makino and Nga¯ti Whakahemo kauma¯tua welcoming visitors.

Other guests included tamara¯kau School students and staff, the local community, Paengaroa Kindergarten, members of the tamara¯kau Playgroup, delegates from Inspired Kindergartens and founding members of the tamara¯kau Playcentre.

There were many people who had attended the original Playcentre and who are now attending tamara¯kau School as students, parents and teachers.

The tamara¯kau students sang with local kauma¯tua.

tamara¯kau Inspired Kindergarten was originally the

tamara¯kau Playcentre that was established in 1966 when a group of enterprising women decided a preschool was needed for the growing number of pre-schoolers.

Those involved were Bev Fothergill, Shirley Mossman, Joan Pratt, Anita Whitham, Ruth Conn and the late Freda Harre.

The tamara¯kau Playcentre began sessions in the tamara¯kau Hall in September 1966 and were there until 1973 when a building committee consisting of Anne Shearer, Joan Shearer, Sue MacDougall, Joan Pratt, Marlene Lauder and the late Denise McNaughton spearheaded fundraising, donations and grants and finally completed their own building.

Tauranga County Council Chairman AG Spratt opened it on October 13, 1973.

Head teacher Debbie Dagger has worked to create a natural environment in which young children can explore, observe and problem-solve through play.

Local community members Anna James, Rochelle Hyland and Carly Adams were a driving force behind the establishment of

tamara¯kau Inspired Kindergarten.

They felt there was a real need for a local pre-school facility and when they contacted Peter Monteith, Inspired Kindergartens principal, they were overwhelmed with the support and prompt action.

One term later and the tamara¯kau Inspired Kindergarten is ready for action with full enrolments and a waiting list. tamara¯kau Inspired Kindergarten will be open from Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm.

Enrolment packs are available at the kindergarten and tamara¯kau School. ¯ O ¯ O

Local kauma¯tua, from left, John Peri, Awhi Awhimate, Tua Mahutariki, Huriwaka Ngawhika and Des Mohi.

Some of the tamara¯kau Playcentre members.¯O Back row: Kitty Knight, Leita Hutchinson, Cherie Mortensen, Kay Blennerhassett, Gill Cameron, Sylvia Cameron and Anne Galpin. Front row: Ruth Conn, Joan Pratt, Bev Fothergill and Sue MacDougall.

Inspired Kindergarten members being welcomed at tamara¯kau.