Child safety, exhaust pollution and noise are concerns for two preschools near the proposed Bunnings Warehouse in Grey Lynn.
A St James Kindergarten parent committee member, Michael Beran, told independent hearing commissioners that although they were nearby, they felt ignored.
"We don't seem to feature in any of the discussions or submissions and we've been cropped out of the photographs," Mr Beran said.
Noise pollution, particularly during construction, and extra vehicles were issues for the kindy.
"Many young children and those with autism and other learning disabilities will be affected. They have high sensitivity to loud noise," Mr Beran said.
Malcolm Maclean, counsel for Kindercare, encouraged commissioners to refuse the development, citing vehicle exhaust fumes from 35 to 40 trucks a day and raising worries about the effects of construction of the three-level store.
The hearing finished yesterday. The commissioners are expected to release their decision in the next few weeks.
Meanwhile, Labour MP Jacinda Ardern has spoken out against the development, saying the site should be used for housing.
"Arch Hill is a perfect site for medium-density housing in an area where there is a huge amount of demand for housing. It's just a waste of a fantastic site."
