Name change for kindergarten

Breaking out the smiles are whānau of the newly named Rakakao Kindergarten, in Pickering Street Kaiti. Pictures by Liam Clayton

Rakakao is the new name of Pickering Street Kindergarten in Kaiti.

Head teacher Donny Manuel said the kindergarten had been on a journey with local artist, historian and district councillor Nick Tupara to learn more about the area they are in.

They found out there was once an abundance of rakakaoa, the bar-tailed godwit, as the area was once a wetland.

“The people of that era thought it was a magical bird as it would disappear and come back in abundance,” Ms Manuel said.

“We have taken on the name Rakakao. The whakaaro behind it is that children are immersed in learning to go out into the world for more learning. We are laying the foundation for them.”

The community was excited about the new name, Ms Manuel said.

Last year Rakakao Kindergarten turned 50 years old.