Grace Raynel’s moving poem about her late mum, her guiding light, made her the supreme winner of the Waikato District Libraries 2019 Matariki competition.

Grace, from Ngaruawahia, said the competition was fun to do.

“I’m really happy that my work [see below] was appreciated. I worked on it and am pleased it paid off.”

Tamahere’s central playground and skatepark shone under blue skies and bright sunshine as it was officially opened today.

In a ceremony led by Ngati Haua kaumatua Sonny Karena the park on Wiremu Tamihana Dr was blessed, ribbons were cut and then the area circumnavigated by a happy crowd of children, adults and community leaders.

The group then gathered in front of an assembly of Tamahere School students whose kapa haka roopu impressed.

Would you consider standing for a seat in local government?

The Waikato District Council will host two candidate information evenings in mid-July to give those who are considering putting their hands up at the October elections the chance to see what would be involved.

“If you are thinking about standing as Mayor, a Councillor or Community Board member we encourage you to come along.”

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.