Tamahere is located in the center of Waikato. It has a school with a 140-year history, a church founded in December 1882, a modern community center, many businesses, and now a village with sports/recreation grounds and a square for community events and entertainment.
Right now, we are reflecting on the essence of our community spirit. This quest is led by voices that resonate with history and hope, voices that ask: “What is the soul of Tamahere?”
Tamahere is a blend of beautiful pastoral charm and growing village life. Its boundary is the Waikato River to the west, a rich history of farming, and it is the birthplace of Chief Ngāti Haua Tarapipipi Te Whāharoa (Wīremu Tamihana), where he met Brigadier General J.J. Carey on May 27, 1865, made his taihā and agreed that “the laws of the Queen will also be laws for the Māori King.”
Tamahere has seen significant changes in the last decade or so: the population has grown to almost 9000, representing nearly 11% of those living in the Waikato area, the completion of well-known projects such as the Community Hall, Tamahere Village Complex, Te Awa Bike Path, Tamahere Country Club, Waikato Expressway, all marking a new era of infrastructure and participation. Yet, amidst these tangible successes, the intangible heartbeat of Tamahere – its Soul – is something the community is committed to identifying and nurturing.
The soul of a place is an indefinable entity that connects its people, history, and aspirations. For Tamahere, this soul is rooted in its past, from the days when the local school taught a handful of students to its evolution into a center that brings families from far and wide. The school, along with the church, has long been a cornerstone of community life, a tradition that continues today. But as Tamakhere evolves, the question arises: how can this soul be preserved and expanded?
Participants in the Tamahere Community Dialogue suggest that the soul of the neighborhood is still centered around the church and school. However, as the area grows with new developments such as the Tamahere Country Club and an influx of businesses, there is potential for these organizations to contribute to the community spirit.
Drawing parallels with Raglan, an area with a “very strong ‘Soul'”, Tamahere residents are encouraged to look at the power of community initiatives, volunteerism and activities that embody the local spirit.
The challenge is to get involved. Tamahere residents, many of whom value their neighborhood lifestyle, may need a catalyst to look outward and actively participate in the wider community. Establishing a village center and potentially working with Waikato District Council (WDC) to support events are steps toward such collaborative engagement.
Ideas for nurturing the soul of Tamahere include hiring an event organizer to bring the Piazza to life with regular entertainment, events supported by local businesses, food trucks, and musicians. While the church and school initiate community events, there is an opportunity for the piazza and stage to become a regular gathering place, offering a platform for local talent and a connection for social interaction.
For Tamahere, expressing one’s soul is like weaving a tapestry of history, community, and shared experiences. It’s about starting small, perhaps with a Christmas ceremony in Piazza Square, and then building from there. It’s about who shows up, who participates, and who contributes to the shared history of Tamakhere.