West Auckland shares their rich experiences from Keep in Touch (KIT) Days at Rūaomoko Marae and attending the awesome Tim Bray Shows at the Pumphouse Theatre.

Wow! What a fantastic journey we have had this year! Three new team members started in January, and two fabulous team members left over the year. Three KIT Days at Kelston and four plays, thanks to Tim Bray's fantabulous supporters gifting us seats. However, the numbers don't do justice to the incredible moments we have experienced throughout the year.

Pōwhiri at the start of the year set the tone for the whanaungatanga that followed over the year. We made connections that were built on and developed. The anticipated second KIT Day at the base was another success thanks to the behind-the-scenes planning and preparation done by a very talented pool of Resource Teachers of the Deaf (RTDs).

Rain did not halt play at KIT Day number three. We made massive headway in completing our visual whakapapa. Most were able to take theirs home at the end of the day. As always, the free time and whanaungatanga time were a huge hit with the learners, solidifying friendships made at the start of the year.

For some, going to the first play, 'The Great Piratical Rambustification', was the first time seeing an interpreter in action. 'Five Go on an Adventure' was the next play we went to, and although the actors were very talented and the interpreter was fantastic, the dog puppet stole the attention and hearts of our attendees.

'Mrs Wishy Washy' and the muddy madness on her farm were another delight for all who could attend the play. The audience participation - "he's right behind you!" and the cast signing 'thank you' to the students who went backstage for a chat - was heartwarming. We ended the year by going to Tim Bray's Santa Show. A great end to a fantastic year!

We had a wonderful year celebrating and learning together. Thank you, and farewell to two of our fantastic Resource Teachers of the Deaf in the West Auckland Team, Lara Shackleton and Jenni Boulton. Thank you for all that you have done to awhi and support all your tamariki, whānau, and kura. We will miss you!