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Whanaungatanga at BestStart Howick
Recently, BestStart Howick proudly showcased their incredible journey of collaboration, kotahitanga (unity) and strenghtening relationship at the unveiling and blessing of their waka, which is named TuHoe & Doherty Te Waka. Beginning of last year, children and teachers were immersed in stories about Maui catching the North Island in his waka. Children extended this learning by recreating a waka out of chairs in the sand-pit. Recognising this interest in a waka, teachers, whanau and children had a korero on how they could build a waka. Last year at the Mother’s Day celebration, the mum’s decided to fundraise to build a waka. Taylor Ellis’ mum kindly offered her family’s expertise to build one at a reasonable cost.
This waka has a special link to Taylor’s whakapapa linking back to Tuhoe and Ngati Awa in the Bay of Plenty (from Mum’s side). His great-great Grandpa Edward Doherty was born in Howick in June 1856. Edward’s father, Joseph Doherty was a Fencible in Howick and lived with his family in Pigeon Mountain Road and owned a small 5 acre farmlet in the Gibraltar St/Wellington Street during the early days of Howick.
The blessing of "te waka" began with He Karanga to welcome the local Kaumatua George and Kuia Ann-marie the Grandparent of Taylor Ellis followed by the Kaumatua chanting a Karakia of all the work that Taylor's matua keke had put into making te waka and handing it to the many whanau now and generations to come at BestStart Howick.
BestStart Howick plans to draw a mural of this journey on the fence behind the waka. They are seeking an artist in the Howick community, who can contribute and volunteer their expertise. If you are interested, please call the Centre Manager, Philomena Lobo on 09-5380099 or email to howick.manager@best-start.org