![Figure 2 - Photo of Visual Resource Centre frontage, showing BLENNZ sign and front door.](https://www.blennz.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Figure-2-The-Pukekohe-Visual-Resource-Centre-scaled.jpg)
![Figure 1 - Carved statue of the local ancestor Tamaoho, painted red and holding a scroll to symbolize wisdom](https://www.blennz.school.nz/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Figure-1-The-Tamaoho-School-pou-scaled.jpg)
The Pukekohe Visual Resource Centre opened in February 2021. The foundation team consisted of Aimee Peterken (Manager), Sandra Lang (Admin/Resource Production), Adrian Conroy (RTV) and Linda Rees (RTV). Kay Daly (National Co-ordinator DOM) is also based at the centre.
The caseload and staff quickly expanded, leading to the addition of Mel Foote and Jemma Shepherd as RTVs.
The team focused on building relationships (whanaungatanga) with schools, whanau and the local community whilst also ensuring that we followed the principal of ‘raakau ki te ngaakau’ (from the pencil to the heart). We connected with local Ngaati Tamaoho elders, attended key events such as the unveiling of the pou and attended weekly Te Reo classes. Despite being in lockdown twice, the second for 100 days, our team is looking positively towards further growth and making stronger connections during 2022.
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