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It was a celebration touched with a lot of emotion when Kaipara Flats School officially opened the ‘The Huts’ on April 9.
The new outdoor play space, incorporating a stage and outdoor classroom, has been named Tane Tangaroa in memory of former student Tane Tangaroa Gregory, who died in a dirt bike accident in February, aged nine.
Many of Tane’s family attended the ceremony, including parents Kim and Adam.
“He would have loved this,” they said, unable to hold back tears. “He was so excited about the project and used to come and watch the builders work.”
Adam and Kim thanked the school for creating a legacy.
“It’s amazing that this area will honour our son for years to come.”
The couple also took the opportunity to thank the wider community.
“We appreciate all that people have done for us – the love and support we’ve received has been massive,” they said.
Board of Trustees chair Sarah Thompson said losing Tane had been a massive shock for students, teachers and the community.
“Informally, the area will be known as Tane’s Stage. It’s a way of honouring his memory,” she said.
Worked started on The Huts project last year, after the January/February weather events flooded the school grounds and brought down 40 poplar trees. The trees were a favourite play area for students who referred to them as The Huts.
Most of the funding for the $74,000 project came from the annual school Show Day, topped up by the Parent Teacher Association. Local businesses also got behind the project, including Atlas Concrete, Mason Contractors, AJ Drainage, Super City Solar, Wyatts, Warkworth Siteworks, the building team of Dan, Mike aka Dozer, Caleb and Josh, and signwriter Mark Lewington.
Principal Jason Irvine said the school did not envisage the final result when the project started.
“It’s morphed into a multi-functional play space, with a stage and outdoor learning area,” he said.
Tane was a student who loved the outdoors, fishing and rugby, so this was a very fitting tribute.
“It’s a new space where our tamariki can create memories, and it means Tane’s name will always be spoken with great affection in our kura.”
