Tamahere Park’s new skatepark and playground will be officially opened at 1pm on Friday, June 28.

The ceremonial opening of the park, already drawing huge crowds at weekends, is a way to mark a real milestone for the Tamahere community, says Tamahere councillor Aksel Bech.

Tamahere School’s 70-member Kapa Haka Roopu will be part of the haka powhiri, performing its own haka for the first time.

Tamahere Lions are appealing for community support for barbecue facilities it is developing in the Tamahere Park.

The ground work and floor slab have been completed and the Lions are now raising funds for the rest of the project in the central Tamahere recreation area.

The plan is for a double electric barbecue and two sets of seating under an attractive weatherproof shelter.

Tamahere School will celebrate Matariki, the Maori New Year, next week with students joining together in their hapu groups to prepare and enjoy food, some from the school’s own maara kai (vegetable garden).

Meanwhile, the Waikato District Council is supporting a variety of events across the district to mark Matariki, between June 25 and July 3.

The largest is the seventh Matariki Festival hosted by Te Whare Toi o Ngaruawahia – Twin Rivers Community Art Centre.

The latest Best Artisan Market is on Saturday morning, June 8, in the Tamahere Community Centre.

Sponsored by the Tamahere Lions, the market from 9am to 1pm, will have more than 70 mostly indoor stalls.

The Lions will also be collecting good quality toys, books and clothes for Kids in Need Waikato, and fundraising to build the Tamahere community barbecue for the recreation area adjacent to the hall.

Tamahere’s Inspirit gallery will feature a magical exhibition of contemporary impressionist paintings of Hobbiton through the eyes of a highly regarded international artist in June.

Artist Kristen Olson Stone’s art is in the collection of former USA president Barack Obama and wife Michelle – just one of a long list of her achievements in the art world.

A visit to Hobbiton inspired Olson Stone, who is currently Auckland based, and she has created a beautiful collection of impressionist paintings of Hobbiton.

Fancy having a ball?

Tamahere School welcomes all good time lovers to a Golden Night – a ball to be held on Saturday, June 22 at the Cambridge Raceway.

A fundraising event as well, proceeds from the ball will be put toward an upgrade of the school’s junior school playground.

Tamahere Country Market – this Saturday, May 18, in the St Stephen’s Church grounds, corner of Tamahere Drive and Airport Rd.

The market is the perfect place to meet for a coffee or Devonshire Tea.

It’s also the spot to buy a New Zealand made, produced or created gift or to just treat yourself to anything from a croissant to skin care.

The Tamahere Lions Best Artisan Market this Saturday, April 13, promises to be an Easter Extravaganza.

The market, from 9am to 1pm at the Devine Rd Tamahere Community Centre, will have more than 70 indoor and some outdoor stalls.

They will be offering gifts, crafts, food, clothes, leather goods, jewellery, canvas, photography, sweets, candles, produce, perfumes, furniture and more.

The 2019 season of indoor bowls is underway in the Tamahere Community Centre.

The Tamahere Indoor Bowling Club has already held its annual open tournament with 20 teams from around the Waikato participating.

Funds raised at the tournament over the last three years have enabled the club to purchase new coloured bowls.

Tamahere School’s ultimate family fun night – the annual Pumpkin Night – is on Saturday, April 6.

The popular event, which runs from 3-8pm, features a big range of activities and entertainments and a wide selection of tasty food.

Amusements include a bouncy castle, bumper balls, horizontal bungy, slides and horse rides, a Nerf fun war, dunk the teacher, and a gumboot throw.