E Tipu E Rea (A place to grow) playgroup
Embracing Maori culture for NZ families that live in the Central Great Southern area of WA.
NZ families have been living in the Central Great Southern area of WA for many years and are mostly employed in the shearing industry.Until recently familes have travelled back to NZ in the off season to meet with family and reconnect with their Marae (marae (məˈraɪ) n 1. (Human Geography) NZ a traditional Māori tribal meeting place, originally one in the open air, now frequently a purpose-built building.
Due to Covid restrictions families were unable to return to NZ & became increasingly isolated. Community members contacted to EYI to ask about setting up an NZ focussed playgroup.
The community felt they were needing a place to get together in WA as travel to NZ was no longer possible. Parents noted that some of their very young children had not experienced the collective impact Maori culture in a group setting. Adults were grieving the loss of family members back in NZ and frustrated that they were unable to return for Tangi’s (Funerals).
A collective of agencies worked together to support this initiative.These include the EarlyYears Initiative, A Smart Start Great Southern, Wanslea Family services & Amity Health.