GATHERING: Staff and pupils of Koriniti Kohanga Reo, part of the Aotea District of the organisation which is meeting in Whanganui tomorrow. PHOTO/PAUL BROOKS 270214PBKORINITI
A ceremony at the Wanganui Racecourse tomorrow will be a district-wide gathering for kohanga reo families to celebrate the korowaitanga/graduation of akonga/students with whanau and community.
"Whanau are excited and expectations are high" said Ruka Broughton, district manager for Aotea which covers Taranaki and Whanganui.
"It is an opportunity to celebrate success by akonga in their tertiary studies.
"Kuia, kaumatua, parents as well as mokopuna are coming.
"Everyone is welcome and we anticipate 800-1000 people."
Parachute, balloon and water games are planned for the tamariki and there will be a bouncy castle on site.
The graduation ceremony at 12 o'clock will be followed by lunch with hangi meals available for $10.
It is also rumoured that Santa Claus might turn up in a fire engine during the day.
Mr Broughton says there is a contingency plan for wet weather and the event will go ahead rain or shine.
Each kohanga and kura can earn points at the event by coming along and bringing whanau members as well as competing in games and competitions.
"Amongst other activities it's promoting the value of early learning within the bosom of whanau. Matua (parents) knowing that te kohanga reo is vibrant, exhilarating and the option for their tamariki during formative years.
"This is about imbuing mokopuna with love and care in the information age, understanding where they are from and how we all belong. Te Kohanga Reo strengthens self esteem and gives pride with a place to stand (turangawaewae) immersed in te reo Maori ready for the local, national and global environment as contributing whanau members of society" he said.