July 2026 - Holiday Programme
What an incredible two weeks we’ve all had! It’s such a strange feeling finishing our programme - the kids don’t want to leave, Whaea Alex is exhausted, our helpers have all gone home… But there is this lingering beautiful wairua connection between all the kids, from different kura, different ages and different experiences in life — and they become a whānau.
Some of the best moments these holidays were:
Finding those three scooters and the balance bike in the Tarawa Creek!
Having our water fight at the Māori Presbyterian Church
Making money while doing our Give Back Day in town - washing local businesses’ windows
Learning about the Tarawa Creek with Whaea Alex and Matua Rob
Chalk art at the Skatepark - learning how to use water to make the chalk mix like paint
The Escape Room at Te Ao Hou Trust!
Making Seed Bombs and Insect Hotels with Whaea Louise from Eastbay REAP
Making wishes to Hiwa-i-te-Rangi with Whaea Alex
Learning more about raranga, manu tukutuku and tāniko - our Māori Maths lessons were hard but epic!
Connecting with new people from different kura
Meeting new whanau members and sharing our whakapapa
Experiencing seeing Matariki for the first time
Meeting MP Jo Luxton (Labour Party)
Talking with the Ōpōtiki News and Whakatane Beacon reporters
Celebrating our 2nd Birthday with Whaea Sharayah and the epic birthday cake she made us
Chalk art at the MPC too!
Planning our Mystery Trip #2 - and one of our crew helping Whaea Alex giveaway our next location…
Check out all the photos here:
A huge thank you to all of our supporters, our Pā Harakeke who fed us, supported with resources, encouragement and koha.