Happy 60th Te Puke Kindergarten
Tamariki celebrate
Sixty years ago a community came together and created something special for the tamariki of Te Puke. It all began with a Monday evening meeting in March 1956 at the supper room of the Te Puke War Memorial Hall, where the Vocational Committee of the Te Puke Rotary Club proposed a progressive new idea — a community kindergarten in Te Puke. That evening in the supper room saw the start of a seven-year effort by Te Puke community to raise support and funds for Te Puke’s own kindergarten.
On September 16 2022, Te Puke’s community once again came together, this time to celebrate Te Puke Kindergarten’s 60th birthday. It was a day filled with sparkle, fun, laughter and of course — cake!
Highlights of the day included, a tree-planting to mark the occasion, an impromptu haka performed to the delight of those gathered, and a barbecue and shared kai — filling everyone’s bellies thanks to wha¯nau who provided, prepared and cooked.
Children took part in Ma¯oriinspired face painting and henna blessings on the day as they danced through bubbles in their diamond anniversary themed dress ups, enjoying the talents of Te Puke’s diverse and supportive community. Five-year old Maru-moeahu, also enjoyed an extra special farewell, the 60th birthday falling just at the right time before starting his new adventures at primary school.
Wha¯nau represented on the day included attendees from local schools, Ka¯hui Ako o Te Puke, the Kiwicoast Lions Club, local iwi,
Inspired Kindergartens delegates and the wider kindergarten community. The cake was cut by Waikamania Thompson and Nina Linton, kindergarten friends representing the past and future of Te Puke Kindergarten.
Te Puke Kindergarten staff and friends would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who came and made the day truly memorable. The event echoed the very heart beat of the kindergarten itself — a place that felt like home, where wha¯nau are wha¯ nau forever, and our tamariki are treasured for who they are and what they bring with them.
Interested in Te Puke Kindergarten’s future? Pop in to 5 Glenn Terrace, grab a cuppa and get cosy on one of our couches. Find out how your community kindergarten can support your wha¯ nau and tamariki to be the best they can be.
Waiho I te toipoto, kaua I te toiroa, Let us keep close together, not far apart.
■ This article was written in collaboration with the teachers of Te Puke Kindergarten and Inspired Kindergartens.