16 December 2025
The Matawai township’s freshly landscaped whānau play space was celebrated last week as the tamariki of Matawai School led the official opening and unveiling of the waharoa (entrance) designed by its students.
Matua Morehu Pewhairangi led the karakia ceremony to bless the waharoa and the grounds with the students, local contractors and whānau closely following behind.
Tamariki entered beneath a beautiful waharoa designed by ngā teina (new entrants) of Room 1, created together with Principal, Nick Adams, and unveiled by senior students. It tells the story of rural life, rivers, mountains, and hunting traditions.
"Our school sits among high hills and our vision is that the sky's the limit,” said Mr Adams.
“The waharoa represents our local awa - the Motu, Waipaoa, and Waioeka rivers that flow through our rohe (area). We have tamariki who travel through from the Waioeka area, so including these waterways was important to us.
“The curved elements represent deer antlers, acknowledging that our kids do a lot of hunting and we're surrounded by the Matawai Deer Park.
“You'll notice there's an extra piece here representing our maunga Pukehinau, and it features nine stars - that's Matariki. We hope this becomes a place where people can gather together during Matariki season.
“The green and black colour-scheme represents Te Pō (the night) and our green hills and ngāhere (bush). What I love most is that our five-year-olds were behind the whole design."
Students performed the mōteatea Haramai a Paoa, which they had been preparing for this week’s school prizegiving.
The project was completed as part of Council’s Rural Township Upgrade Programme. The programme supports 13 rural communities to determine and upgrade their township through a community-led development model where whānau, hapū and hapori (community) are engaged to determine and confirm aspirations for their township.
For Matawai and Motu, a family space for tamariki and whānau was their priority.
Council’s Rural Liaison Officer Lillian Ward acknowledged Koka Tui “Sue” Seymour, who has since moved from Matawai but initiated bringing the community together.
The Matawai Squash Club then liaised with the community and Council to confirm the aspirations for the build.
Mr Adam’s provided valuable ongoing feedback while inspiring tauira (students) to design a waharoa that reflected what was important to the school, whānau and hapū of Matawai.
Ms Ward said the community effort was amazing.
“Local small - medium contractors were appointed to undertake work on the playground,” she said.
“Ngā mihi to Cut Above Sawmilling and Furniture, JT Contracting, Pomana Contracting Ltd and Civil Assist in getting the final touches done before Christmas. On behalf of Council, we wish you a well-deserved break.”
“Tamariki and whānau have big smiles and a new family space to enjoy these holidays.”
