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Photo by Matthew McCormick

Whāre Pukapuka is Open!

Matthew McCormick —

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news—the heart of our school, the Whāre Pukapuka, has officially reopened its doors, ushering in a new era of exploration, learning and literary adventure!

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news—After over 6 long years, the heart of our school, Whāre Pukapuka, has officially reopened its doors, ushering in a new era of exploration, learning, and literary adventure!

The day was filled with excitement and anticipation as students, teachers, and parents gathered for the grand reopening of our beloved library, Whāre Pukapuka. The atmosphere was charged with positive wairua, and a sense of wonder filled the air as the ribbon was cut, revealing a transformed and revitalised space.

The library's new name, Whāre Pukapuka, resonates with the essence of what a library stands for—a house of books. This name encapsulates the warmth and inclusivity of a space that invites everyone to explore the world through the pages of a book.

The celebration began with a beautiful karakia from Mason Stretch. He shared a wonderful narrative about the books returning home to their rightful place. We than had the ceremonial ribbon-cutting, featuring esteemed guests, such as Helen Colling, a past employee and librarian, and a number of those who has supported with revitalising the beautiful space.

Beyond the festivities, Whāre Pukapuka embodies the commitment of our community to fostering a love for reading and lifelong learning. The library is not just a physical space but a gateway to knowledge, imagination and personal growth.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated individuals and generous sponsors who made the Whāre Pukapuka reopening possible. I would specifically like to thank Claire Lincoln and Sarah Luke who led the mahi, everyone within SoKs for their financial support and the many parents and members of the community who helped prepare the books and the space for this special occasion in the journey of Cromwell Primary School. This collaborative effort exemplifies the strength and unity within our school community.

As Whāre Pukapuka opens its doors to students old and new, we eagerly anticipate the countless stories, discoveries and adventures that will unfold within its walls. The library is more than just a room filled with books—it's a sanctuary of possibilities, waiting to be explored by curious minds.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this remarkable journey. Here's to a new chapter at Cromwell Primary School, where Whāre Pukapuka stands as a beacon of knowledge, imagination and community spirit.

Enjoy the photo's of the reopening.