On the 2nd October 2025 we celebrated 50 years of learning, laughter, and legacy at Parihaka Kindergarten. Nestled on the Maunga, this kindergarten has been a place of belonging and growth for generations of tamariki and whānau.
Nestled on the slopes of the sacred Maunga, Parihaka Kindergarten has stood for half a century as a beacon of early childhood education, community, and care. On its 50th anniversary, the kindergarten welcomed whānau, tamariki, kaiako past and present, and community members to celebrate a legacy built on excellence, belonging, and deep connection to place.
The Head Teacher, Shelley Shennan opened the celebration with words that resonated through the crowd like waiata on the wind:
“How lucky were we back in the 70s to be allocated this crown land by the then Education Department. This space, nestled on the Maunga, has provided us with security and a strong sense of belonging. As the roots of where we stand go deeper and deeper, our understanding of what it means to be kaitiaki of this place is embedded in all that we do.”
She honoured those who had gone before, acknowledging the foundation they laid, a whāriki woven from passion, dedication, and aroha. She spoke of the privilege of walking alongside tamariki and whānau, nurturing their growth and learning journeys:
“We take seriously the privilege of walking alongside you all for a few short years, and are humbled by the trust you place in us to care for and be part of the learning story of your most precious taonga.”
Among the many highlights of the day was the unveiling of a sign carved and gifted by a father whose son, had flourished within the kindergarten’s warm embrace. His words, shared with emotion and gratitude, captured the essence of what Parihaka means to its community:
“It’s funny, when my son was three, I wasn’t ready to share him with the world. But from the day I brought him in, I was blown away by the welcoming, warm atmosphere you and your staff create. Some of my proudest moments as a father have been reading the kind words written on Storypark. You’ve taken the time to really get to know him and see how special he is.”
A signwriter by trade and carver by passion, he had spent countless hours crafting a taonga that would stand as a symbol of appreciation and connection. Made from swamp kauri, the signage bore the name “Parihaka Kindergarten” in fonts echoing the Northland Kindergarten Association’s style, blending tradition with personal artistry.
“I’ve been working on something in my spare time that I hope shows the appreciation we have for this experience.”
The unveiling was a moment of quiet reverence and celebration. The carved wood, rich with grain and meaning, now stands as a testament to the love, learning, and legacy of Parihaka Kindergarten.
As the sun dipped behind the Maunga, laughter echoed across the playground, mingling with memories and hopes for the future. The Head Teacher closed with a vision that captured the spirit of the day:
“Parihaka Kindergarten is the most amazing place to work, play, learn and teach - and I know it will continue to delight and inspire for many years to come.”
