Fresh approach to childcare

Cherry Grove Childcare owners Brendon and Emma Dawson with their children Sophia (left), Katie and Zoe. Photo / Duncan Brown

Increasing corporatisation of the Hawke's Bay childcare industry spurred livestock agent Brendon Dawson and lawyer Emma Dawson into opening Cherry Grove Childcare and Family Centre in Havelock North.

Within months the parents of three girls aged under 5 have transformed a half-hectare site into a centre for children from birth to 5-year-olds.

Mrs Dawson said the centre's philosophy was to provide a nurturing environment where children felt safe to explore.

It will have space for about 65 children and a playground designed to allow each age group to have their own area.

It will include a family centre supporting new mothers with antenatal classes and coffee groups.

The centre features renown teacher and child-development advocate Viv Nilssen, formerly of Parent and Child.

Extensive landscaping, gives the centre a deceptively-mature appearance and plenty of shade ahead of its open day on December 6.

Auckland-based Evolve bought a swathe of Hawke's Bay centres earlier this year. Set up last year by Australia-based Kern Group, it raised $132.3 million in a NZX share market float to fund New Zealand acquisitions.

It purchased Hawke's Bay-based national in-home child carer Porse Group and childcare chain Lollipops Educare, which has two Hawke's Bay centres. Hastings' Rascals' two divisions were also purchased.

It also purchased Havelock North Kindergarten, Havelock North Baby and Child, Havelock North Parent and Child and Taradale Parent and Child.