NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR WAIHIRERE KOHANGA

Despite flood waters surrounding Te Kohanga Reo o Te Waihirere, staff and tamariki consider themselves lucky the damage was not worse.
Kohangha kaiwhakahaere kaiako Pauline Tahuri said it was only because they had listened to the weather warnings the day before the cyclone and decided to close the kohanga that they stayed safe.
“The day before the flooding, we could see the river rising, and with 22 tamariki aged between six months and five years of age, we decided we would close the next day.”
That decision turned out to be a lifesaver, and although flood waters lapped around the building, they did not infiltrate inside. “When we were able to return, it was heartbreaking, outside was terrible. But the kohanga is built high and on a concrete base, and there was no damage inside.”
The staff of Grace Tahuri (senior), Mahanga Tahuri, Colleen Cotter, Kat Kahukura and whānau along with Enhanced Taskforce Green support, helped with the outside clean up and silt removal, which saw play equipment, trampolines and other resources written off.
Initially, the kohanga relocated to Wairoa Primary School which reached out and offered support. The next stop was Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ngati Kahungunu o Te Wairoa. Pauline says they were very grateful to have alternative spaces to operate from, but there is no place like home.
“We were so lucky to be taken in, but as a full immersion pre-school, it is hard to keep the kaupapa, particularly in a mainstream school setting.”
The kohanga used the time away to spruce up the facilities with fresh painting and flooring. Although they were away from their base until the end of July, there is still more to do, including replacing their vans and car seats, which were silt-laden as a result of the flooding.
“We are trying to make do in the meantime. It is nice to be home, and we are grateful for the support we have received, especially through Wairoa Recovery, where we are part of the Focus Group and, like other affected kura, are receiving wrap- around support.”

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