Te Amo Pūtoro is the first council owned māra hūpara in the Far North – a traditional Māori play and learning environment. Video / Yolisa Tswanya
After more than six years of dreaming, digging and doing, a once empty patch of land in Kerikeri has become Te Amo Pūtoro, the Far North’s first council-owned māra hūpara, a traditional Māori playground.
The community-led project driven by Healthy Families Far North and Ngāti Rēhia was officially opened lastweek.
Community project lead Angela Barker spoke about the six-year journey of community collaboration it took to get the playground completed.
She said Te Amo Pūtoro reflected the collective efforts of many hands and hearts before thanking all those involved by name.
“It is testament to the strength of community and connection.”
She thanked all those involved and listed all the businesses, individuals and other partners that helped make it happen.
The playground includes native plantings, carved timber and designs that encourage exploration and imaginative play. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
“To the many, many community groups and families that came to help us plant hundreds of plants, and you get a true representation of the number of people who contributed to make this happen.”
“It has been built the way things used to be done, through generosity and gifting. I remember at some point in this journey, I was hitting up Pete Parish again for more log seats and if I asked how much it cost, he said, ‘It’s donations is how this town gets built,’, the logs are free.”
She said that sentiment carried through the whole process.
Deputy Mayor Kelly Stratford was also in attendance and said the project reflected what Kerikeri has always been known for.
“Kerikeri was built on a lot of gifting and that is what has happened here and it is beautiful to see.”
“It’s really good for people to learn what it all stands for and some of the names that they hear around Keri, they can learn by looking at those while they’re watching their children play.”
Te Amo Putoro opens in Kerikeri as Kerikeri's first public māra hūpara. Photo / Yolisa Tswanya
The māra hūpara was created with guidance from Ngāti Rēhia and includes native plantings, carved timber and designs that encourage exploration and imaginative play.
The playground features small plaques that share traditional stories and meanings behind local names in Kerikeri.
Ngāti Rēhia chairman Kipa Munro said the space represents more than play, but also a connection to the identity of Kerikeri.
“These places keep our stories alive and help tamariki learn through doing and through nature.”
Newly re-elected Far North Mayor Moko Tepania was in attendance and said it was an honour to see the playground completed.
Tamariki wasted no time in climbing, swinging and spinning on the new playground after an official opening ceremony.
