Widespread Interest

Te Ao Hou, December 1962, Page 51

Widespread Interest Play Centres have become full, affiliated members of the Play Centre Association in Maori communities at Kokohuia and Te Ahu Ahu and another is nearly ready for affiliation at Tikitiki. Others are under consideration at Pukepoto, Te Hapua, Oruawharo, Omaio Bay, Ruatoria, Waiomatatini, to mention just a few names. Impetus was given in Northland earlier and has continued in its development under the hands of Mrs G. Andrews, Onerahi, Liaison Officer for the Northland Sub-Association of the Auckland Play Centres Association. On the East Coast and Bay of Plenty the first moves came from Alison McIntosh, Health Nurse, Tikitiki, and from school teachers on the Coast at Rangitukia, Tikitiki, Ruatoria and other areas, in discussion with Mrs O. E. Bickerton, County Liaison Officer, Auckland Play Centres Association. Then in May 1962 the Ruatoria Maori Leaders' Conference gave time to discussions on Play Centre. This was reinforced by a talk to interested groups in Gisborne, Ruatoria and Tikitiki, and still further by a tour of the Bay of Plenty and East Coast by the Director of Supervisor Training, Auckland Play Centres Association, Mr A. Grey and his family. On a five-day tour they demonstrated, lectured,