Kindy celebrates its new name in song
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Whangarei Leader
A kindergarten has changed its name to better reflect its surroundings and community.
Riverside Kindergarten officially changed its name to Parihaka with a small ceremony on Friday.
The centre sits on Mt Parihaka and last year decided to investigate the mountain, head teacher Kelly McCann says.
Both the children and adults learnt a lot about the mountain and how Maori once lived.
The children involved have now moved on but passed the information and interest to the younger children, she says.
The kindergarten decided to change its name to show the importance of Mt Parihaka, strengthening ties to the landmark and the community.
"Parihaka Kindergarten not only reflects where we are but who we are," Kelly says.
The kindy consulted Maori adviser Roimata Macfarlane and kaumatua Tokararangi Totoro who wrote a special karakia sung by the children at the opening.
The karakia pays tribute to the mountain and its treasures, which will help foster the children's education.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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