Today, we came together to celebrate 2020 with our yearly Christmas hāngī picnic.

This event came together beautifully as always with the support of the community.  Yesterday we had many helpers to cut vegetables, make stuffing and package the hāngī into trays.  Thank you to all who were there to support this kaupapa, Darylee, Alice, Latoya, Hamo, Zenya & Jojo.

Thanks also to the families who made the yummy fried bread and steam puddings, even providing the custard and cream – Kraizlah, Jahkaia and Te Awatea’s families.  Thanks to Christopher’s family for donating fruit salad and to Kaye Kingi, our lovely van driver whose whānau provided the kai ccooker.

In the morning, the children enjoyed face painting by Emma (Aface4U).  Emma always does such a beautiful job and the tamariki were so excited with their lovely face painting creations.  There is no request Emma can’t do!  She came through with everything from Christmas trees to robots, butterflies and to Spiderman!

At 11.30am the hāngī arrived.  Again many helpers made light work.  A special shout out to Henare Gurney and Jacqui Brouwer from the Central Kids Leadership Team who came along to roll up their sleeves, don aprons and muck in where needed.

We made 150 hāngī for this event and while there was enough for everyone, it was all gone by the end of the day.  A great result!  It was so lovely to see the kindergarten full and bursting with happy families enjoying the atmosphere, the kai, being with their tamariki and socialising with one another.  It warmed our hearts.

Then…. a special surprise visitor!  Glenys Courtney-Strachan came with her satchel of ukulele to have a jam.  The tamariki loved it and the authentic live music and waiata contributed to whānau friendly day of fun, community, celebration and connection.

Our last thanks is to all of our whānau for being a part of this event and for being part of our kindergarten community.  The tamariki are the heart of what we do at Central Kids Fordlands Kindergarten.  Our whānau are the soul.  Ngā mihi koutou, Jenny, Lynda, Marley, Dahna, Hamo & Kaye

Ma whero, ma pango, ka oti ai te mahi