Since opening our Regional Centre in Hawke’s Bay, Raukatauri was made to feel at home in our rented spaces at Tamatea High School and Havelock North Function Centre, from which we ran sessions Monday to Saturday. However, with the team growing, and more clients incoming, we have been hankering for a space to call our own, which is why we were so excited to sign a lease for space at the Taikura House. A huge thank you to both Tamatea High School and Havelock North Function Centre for being so welcoming and supportive of us as we settled into the community and started to grow.
Our Hawke's Bay team moved into their new centre in April, and last month we held our opening celebration with whānau and guests. The new building has been decked out by the Hawke’s Bay team, Ella, Matt, Sinead and volunteers, Judy and Becky, to create a warm and inviting environment. Clients have been able to make the space feel like home to them as well.
Our opening celebration was a beautiful occasion with waiata, speeches, and a client performance. The Hawke's Bay team were overwhelmed by the warmth of the visitors and the well wishes of everyone for the prosperity of the Hawke's Bay centre. It has been such a humbling journey to be welcomed by the community in Hawke's Bay and we are so grateful to the community leaders who have made space for and championed our work there.
Dame Hinewehi Mohi and whānau welcome manuhiri (guests) with mihi whakatau.
Karakia and waiata weaved throughout the celebration.
The afternoon was filled with whaikōrero (speeches), waiata and connection.
Diane, mother of client Henry, delivers a moving speech about her son’s journey with Raukatauri.
Client, Eskavan, performs, accompanied by Sinead and Matt.
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who made the afternoon such a success: to Jeremy MacLeod for being a wonderful MC, to Te Rina MacLeod for her support, to Dame Hinewehi Mohi and George Bradfield, Mike Mohi, Diane Mara for their kōrero, to Eskavan for his amazing performance, and to the team Ella, Matt, Sinead, Jess and Rachel for all of their hard mahi in getting the event organised and running so smoothly.
And a massive thank you to the Rudolf Steiner School – owner’s of Taikura House - for having us, we’re overjoyed to have such an amazing space to call home, to welcome clients and whānau into, and are so grateful to be a part of the community in the Hawke’s Bay. Come by and visit us some time!