Sailing into summer at Waiaroha

Small boats took over the waterways of Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre on Tuesday, as tamariki of all ages gathered for the first of four weekly boat races.

The boat races are just one of the water-themed school holiday activities for children on offer this month. Group manager of community wellbeing and services Rebekah Dinwoodie said the Waiaroha team was thrilled to see so many children invested in creating a winning vessel. Resources ranged from sponges to ice-block sticks and the creativity was outstanding. “The team could hear them debating over which way to put their sails and whether or not stickers would add too much weight.

“The laughter and joy experienced today was exactly what we imagined this space being about; kids seeing water do its thing in a fun and accessible space.”  

The number of children meant there were multiple races, with the downpour of the wave machine marking the start of each heat. The wave machine is just one of many features created to showcase the journey water takes from the mountains to sea. Waiaroha is more than just a water treatment plant. It’s a place where everyone can explore and learn about water with hands-on experience.

The boat races are on every Tuesday in January, with water bomb dodgeball on every Friday. A scavenger hunt and colouring-in activity sheet can be collected from Te Whare Waiaroha visitor centre at any time throughout the month.

Located at the corner of Southampton Street East and Hastings Street South, the outdoor area of Waiaroha is open every day, while Te Whare Waiaroha visitor centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. For more information about the summer programme, visit the Waiaroha Heretaunga Water Discovery Centre Facebook page or search ‘Summer at Waiaroha’ on Eventfinda.

10 January 2024

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