The planting of a kahikatea has been part of Friday’s Matariki celebrations in Tapanui.
Poumahaka Kāhui Ako members are taking it in turns to choose a tree, representing one of the nine stars in the Matariki — or Pleiades — constellation to plant for the new year celebration.
Members also choose the colour of the seat which is placed near the tree.
In the second year of the project it was the turn of the KidzWay Early Learning Centre.
Early learning centre trust chairwoman Robbie Finlayson said it seemed appropriate the centre chose Hiwa-i-te-Rangi, the smallest star in the constellation.
The star ‘‘symbolises the aspirations and dreams we have for the future of our tamariki and for us all’’.
Green was chosen for the colour for the seat.
‘‘Green is KidzWay’s colour and also represents new life.’’
About 60 community members attended the event.
Mrs Eales initiated the project in 2022.
She was ‘‘very proud of the small community we live in and all the support we do get with the donations’’.
