Waitangi ready for grand opening

Thanks to the efforts of literally a cast of hundreds, New Zealand's first carved community ki o rahi field at Waitangi was expected to be completed in time for the official opening next month.

Developed for public use, the Te atarauarangihaeata facility on Waitangi Domain includes seven field pou (carvings) brilliantly decorated by various local schools, and the Chris Booth-donated tupu (centre rock). Both were blessed in a ceremony lead by local kaumatua Wiremu Wiremu in February and which proved the catalyst to begin the ki-o-rahi park plans in earnest, noted Harko Brown on behalf of the Bay of Islands-based Ki-o-rahi Akotanga Iho organisation.

He noted features of the circular field designed for associated Maori games park now features picnic tables, flower gardens, seating, a tree swing, a log for taka-tinana exercises, a torere (platform) and a 200m tuwatawata (fence) of manuka. A waharoa (special gateway) donated by Paihia Primary School has been erected, while other works currently in progress include the wera-te-paatu (rock pathway), a mosaic on the tupu, pou lighting and a paint spruce-up.

With the opening set to take place on Friday, December 6, Harko Brown said the efforts by local schools and members of the organisation to prepare for the event had been outstanding.

"We have a wide membership, as one of the few of ki-o-rahi clubs in Northland, and are blessed to have had the voluntary work of our local, Whangarei, Taipa and Kaitaia supporters."

He noted the developing facility was already arousing much interest and attracting tourists where dozens of visitors can be seen each day taking photographs and bringing their children to use the playground.

One particularly impressed whilst using the venue for a picnic with his family was German visitor Per Elmhester who said he really appreciated the initiative and efforts: "We'll make sure to spread the word to people we meet during and after our trip," he said.

Earlier this month, Ki-o-Rahi-Akotanga-Iho-Incorporated released the itinerary for the official ministerial opening on December 6 with local and national dignitaries booked to attend. Meanwhile, Harko urged all ki o rahi devotees - both local and further afield - to also attend the opening in some capacity on the day, and extended an open invitation to Far North schools with an interest in the sport to be present with their representatives/students from 10am in order to go over the day's proceedings and to practice the powhiri (welcome).

"We feel this opening is a time to illuminate the great deeds of each school and everyone who has so graciously contributed community service to our project. Parents/siblings etc are most welcome to attend," Harko said.

"Everyone's really excited, we hope to see you all there on the day. Nau mai, haere mai."