Photo: L to R Mina Paikea, Principal Sharlene McCormick, Cathy Henderson, Kaumatua Ben Hita, former teacher (and my mother) Judith Cain, Chairman of the Board Phillip Wattam, MP for Northland Grant McCallum, Mayor Jonathan Larsen
I had the privilege of attending the opening Kaiwaka Primary School's new library and general purpose room this morning. As on old boy of the school myself (1975 to 1980), the school is still quite similar to what I recall, although the drinking fountains are shorter than they used to be.
Following the karanga from Whaea Mina Paikea, the ribbon was officially cut by the oldest student Mr. Bill Jaques who attended from 1937 jointly with the youngest student Dusty Whitehead who started recently in 2026, creating a striking linkage from past to present.A blessing was carried out by kaumatua Ben Hita followed by an opening ceremony led by Principal Sharlene McCormick and attended and participated in by the whole school with a roll of 130 students.
A great new asset for Kaiwaka, the new facility will be enjoyed for many years to come.
Photo: Oldest student Mr Bill Jaques and youngest student Dusty Whitehead cut the ribbon together watched over by Principal Sharlene McCormick
