24-hour creche opens

An Auckland hotel for children that sparked zesty debate is due to open after a year-long delay, writes Rebecca Lewis
It's taken more than year, but 24-hour childcare is finally available to Auckland parents.
Miracles, New Zealand's first round the clock childcare centre, opens its doors later this month - 12 months after the initial opening date.
The controversial Parnell centre has had to overcome council hurdles, but owner Sandra Jane is finally feeling positive.
``If you think negatively you only attract more negativity,' says the 40-something businesswoman. ``I want to focus on the good energy and the positive things and the fact that we will be opening in June.'
Over the past 12 months Sandra has had to meet the conditions of resource consent: installing a fire exit door, setting up a direct dial to the Fire Service and obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance. All she is waiting on now is approval for the evacuation plan.
``It's a long process and it has been incredibly financially draining,' she says.
``But I was told because it was a new concept to New Zealand that the council were going to be very cautious.'
Although considered a godsend for some, the arrival of 24-hour childcare has met condemnation from some parents and child advocacy groups, who have likened Miracles to a boarding school.
``When you start to chuck kids into a children's hotel it's a sign that we have lost a sense of community,' says Bob McCoskrie, national director of Family First Lobby.
``It is also a question of selfish parenting. When you become a parent it involves sacrifice. There's always going to be some exceptions, but that's not what this business is about. It's aimed more at convenience childcare and parental selfishness.'
Sandra maintains that her centre is merely another choice for stressed-out parents.
``All this is is another service available out there,' she says. ``My type of service will appeal to some where having a nanny will appeal to others.'
Round-the-clock childcare is something that definitely appeals to Marianne Hall. The mother of two says she will use the centre as a back-up babysitter.
``I think it's just a terrific idea because there are some places where it's just not appropriate to take a child,' she says.
``A few times I have needed to go to the doctor, but I haven't 'cause I've got the kids with me. Having this available will be wonderful.'
While Marianne says she doesn't intend to use Miracles as a daycare centre, she knows that some families won't have a choice.
``It's unrealistic to expect us to solely always look after our kids and not need help every now and again.
``There are people out there who don't have the support I do, and I can see the pressures of having small children in a relationship without support.'
Sandra intends Miracles to be something that makes life easier for parents.
``What I think is a real genuine need is for parents to have that together time,' she says.
``I hope to offer a service to allow parents to spend time together, do things they couldn't when kids are around, while knowing their children are safe and happy.
``It's a win-win situation really.'
Details ph 377 3559 or see www.miracles24hours.co.nz.
MIRACLE'S PROFILE
About the 24/7 centre: It provides care for children aged 3 months up to 14-year-olds. This includes daycare, evening care, after-school, overnight stays.
It has an entertainment centre, a games room, homework and computer rooms, sleeping areas for boys and girls, an outdoor area and a dining room. It occupies two floors of a Parnell apartment block on Heather St.
Council consent limits Miracles to no more than 75 children (about 55 preschoolers and 20 school children) at one time, and 19 staff.
There is a one-off enrolment fee after which the centre can be used at any time of the day.