Hillcrest Kindergarten in Kaikohe. Photo / Northland Regional Council
Hillcrest Kindergarten in Kaikohe. Photo / Northland Regional Council
For Hillcrest Kindergarten in Kaikohe, turning 70 wasn’t just a birthday, it was the gathering of familiar faces, old stories and a community that has seen the place through seven decades.
Long-time staff members and former pupils shared memories stretching back to the 1960s, while current leaders acknowledged the manyhands that have kept the kindergarten running since 1955.
Staff member and former pupil Leonie Main shared her memories from the 1960s through to her 23 years working at the centre.
She started working at the centre in 2002 as a teacher aide and a few years into her role, she took on the position as the first cook employed.
She remembered her first teacher at the centre, Lynette Cherrington.
“I have some memories of being here back then, I remember playing on the big pirate ship, which had quite a high ladder and slide coming off the sides of it, it was situated to the side of the building where the orchard is now.”
Former Hillcrest Kindergarten pupil Leonie Main and her great-grandson Raven Gates blowing out the candle.
“I also remember playing with large wooden trucks on the veranda, funny because my partner is a truck driver. I also remember at Christmas time Santa was here giving out presents, the girls’ presents were tea sets but I didn’t get one because I was crying for some reason.”
Main’s mum was a cleaner at the centre in the 1970s and she would often chip in to do her share of cleaning.
“I would help clean the little basins and I also liked to use the floor polisher, which would sometimes spin me out of control.”
The connection to the kindergarten continued, with her partner also attending in the 1950s and three of her four children attending in the 1980s and 90s.
“I have seen lots of changes such as moving from morning and afternoon sessions run by just two teachers, plus myself, to all-day sessions with five staff. There could have been more staff but over the years I have held down two to three positions in my job.”
She said working at the kindergarten, she often tried to get more applicants.
“One year we were licensed to have 40 children per day, but it was a challenge to keep the roll full. I often went to town and canvassed the streets for new enrolments. We changed back to 30 children the following year.”
The kindergarten has undergone many changes over the years, including renovations to the kitchen, children’s locker room and outside on the playground.
Head teacher Raewyn Ings said to be celebrating 70 years was something truly special.
“Seventy years, that is older than colour TV in New Zealand, older than the Moon landing and the internet.”
Ings said back in 1955, a group of passionate, determined and probably very tired parents and community members in Kaikohe came together with a dream – to create a place where young children could learn, laugh and grow.
“And thanks to their hard work, fundraising, and maybe a few cake stalls and raffles, and the odd wine and cheese [evening], this kindergarten was born.”
She thanked all who were involved in supporting the facility, including all the past head teachers, teachers, teacher aides and support staff.
“You are the heart of this place. You’ve weathered everything from finger paint explosions to the great glitter spill of 1992. You’ve sung Twinkle Twinkle more times than anyone should, and you’ve done it with love. We honour your dedication and your patience – especially during mat time.”
