Singing and glitter to celebrate Matariki

Celebration and community were the focus as four local early childhood centres gathered for a Matariki event.

Rochelle Munro, manager at Little Villa in Ngongotaha, said the combined event at the Harvest Centre in Westbrook today, was put on to celebrate Matariki.

The other three early childhood centres involved were Mountain View Preschool in Mangakakahi, Kids.Com.Educare Central and Kids.Com.Educare Mangakakahi.

Mrs Munro said it was the first combined event and everyone "had a ball".

"Matariki is part of who we are, Rotorua is the centre of Maoridom and it's important to celebrate the Maori New Year. It's been great making connections with parents and the community."

Activities such as making stars took place, and the kids played with playdough, glitter and bubbles.

The children, with help from their teachers, put on a 20-minute concert for family members who had come along for the event, having a great time as they sang well-known songs in te reo.

Photo/Stephen Parker

Carla Love was there with her 3-year-old daughter Shaela Debaugh, who goes to Mountain View Preschool.

"It's been really good, her pop and his girlfriend came along which was great. It's good meeting new parents from the other preschools but also from [Mountain View]."

Hamuere Heemi had come with his two kids, Deiharli Heemi-Whitley, 5, and Odinli Heemi-Whitley, 3.

Mr Heemi said they had a "mean" time.

"I'm here to support the cause of Matariki. This is the first time the event has been held, it's cool, I hope they do it again."

Sarah Leathers was there with two of her three children; her daughter Dolly, 4, who attends Mountain View Preschool, and 3-month-old son.

"It has been a great day. Maori people are really family-oriented and coming together [like this] it's home.

"It brings a sense of culture after being raised in an urban environment. We want to raise the next generation in a sense of togetherness not division ... [up on stage] they are different preschools but they are all singing the same songs."