A pre-schooler forced Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin to cut short his speech and cut the ribbon prematurely during the official opening of a new early childhood centre playground.
Mr Chin took note of the boy in the front row who could be heard saying "I've just done stinky poos'' during the opening yesterday of the Elm Row Early Childhood Centre playground in
Dunedin.
"I heard the comment 'stinky poo'. I thought he was talking about me for a start. Then I realised he was in a bit of strife. He'd had a wee oops.
"It was a wonderful moment. Kids are so perfectly natural. It relaxed everybody.''
Despite officiating at more formal functions recently, such as farewelling the Very Rev David Rice and compering the Anzac Review concert, Mr Chin said he was not "fazed'' by the situation.
He said it was his cue to stop talking and cut the ribbon.
"This was just another function. I took it in my stride - just like that wee kid did.''
More than 50 parents and their children attended the ceremony, which was held outdoors on a covered deck.
Dunedin Community Childcare Association director Pat Irvine said it was a light-hearted moment in an otherwise dreary day.
Fundraising for the $56,000 playground took three years and the development was part of continuing upgrades at the association's five centres, she said.
"Previously, the playground was functional but tired. It had had a number of busy feet over it over a number of years.''
The refurbishment included landscaping, decking, sun shade sails and the addition of climbing equipment.
Ms Irvine said the children were now eagerly awaiting the next sunny day when they could use
the new equipment for the first time.
