Children from Matawai School's new entrants class and principal Nick Adams designed the waharoa (entranceway) to the playground.
Children from Matawai School's new entrants class and principal Nick Adams designed the waharoa (entranceway) to the playground.
Matawai township’s freshly landscaped whānau playground has been officially opened and the tamariki of its school led the ceremonies ... then got to play in it.
The waharoa (entrance) designed by its pupils was unveiled as part of the opening.
Matua Morehu Pewhairangi led a karakia and blessing ceremony involvingstudents, school staff, contractors and whānau.
Pupils from Matawai School played a leading part in the design and official opening of the township's new playground as part of the council's Rural Township Upgrade programme.
Matawai School’s new entrants and principal Nick Adams designed the waharoa, which tells the story of rural life, the area’s rivers, mountains and hunting traditions, Gisborne District Council said.
Adams provided ongoing feedback while inspiring the tauira (students) to design a waharoa that reflected what was important to the school, whānau and hapū of Matawai.
“Our school sits among high hills, and our vision is that the sky’s the limit,” Adams said.
“The waharoa represents our local awa: the Motu, Waipaoa and Waioeka rivers that flow through our rohe (area).
“The curved elements represent deer antlers, acknowledging that our kids do a lot of hunting and we’re surrounded by the Matawai deer park.
“You’ll notice there’s an extra piece here representing our maunga Pukehinau, and it features nine stars – that’s Matariki.
Once the opening was finished, it was time to do what kids do best in a playground ... have lots of fun.
“We hope this becomes a place where people can gather together during Matariki season.
“The green and black colour scheme represents te pō [the night] and our green hills and ngāhere [bush].
“What I love most is that our 5-year-olds were behind the whole design.”
The project was completed as part of Gisborne District Council’s Rural Township Upgrade Programme, which supports 13 rural communities in determining and upgrading their townships through a community-led development model. Whānau, hapū and hapori (community) are consulted to determine and confirm aspirations for their towns.
A family space for tamariki and whānau was a priority for Matawai and Motu residents.
Council rural liaison officer Lillian Ward acknowledged Tui “Sue” Seymour, who brought the community together on the project.
The community effort was amazing, Ward said.
“Ngā mihi to JT Contracting, Pomana Contracting Ltd and Civil Assist in getting the final touches done before Christmas.
“Tamariki and whānau have big smiles and a new family space to enjoy these holidays.”
