Kaikohe Memorial Park celebrated by local whānau

A large crowd gathered this morning (23 June) including Kahika Moko Tepania, councillors, council staff, iwi, hapū, school children, and family and community groups for the blessing of a major upgrade to Memorial Park in Kaikohe.

The dawn ceremony unveiled a series of pou at the Station Road entrance to the park and was followed by karakia and speeches. The pou are based on the story of Rahiri and his two sons Uenuku and Kaharau. A female pou represents Tai Tama Wahine and the male pou is Tai Tama Tāne.

The pare is a wheke (octopus) based on the narrative of Te Pū o te Wheke which is Kaikohekohe. It is believed that Kaikohekohe is like a wheke using its tentacles to pull in people from all over our takiwā.

The gathering then enjoyed light refreshments including a barbeque provided by council contractor, Recreational Services, using a new barbeque area within the park.

The aim of the $750,000 project was to transform the park into a space where whānau can meet, play, and relax based around an improved wheelchair accessible playground and picnic area.

New playground equipment includes a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round, in-ground trampolines, slides, a sand play area, swings, and an eagles’ lair rope climbing tower.

The project also built new park entrances, upgraded footpaths, a learn-to-ride and balance track for tamariki, a fully accessible amenity block, a wide loop track linking all areas and seating, and picnic tables and barbeques.