New name, more space for relocated Whangārei childcare centre

Te Mauri Manihera, Briony Jenkins, Kaylee Oliver, Ivy Epiha, Macee Anderson, teacher Salina Hemara, Waiora Kaipo, Ilsa Smith-Godfrey, and Khalia Anderson in the sandpit. Photo / Tania Whyte

A relocated Whangārei childcare centre is enjoying the added space and Town Basin views which come with its new site.

The centre, formerly known as Forum North Childcare, has also adopted a new name as part of its shift from Dent St to Riverside Dr.

Centre committee chairwoman Bev Ngaropo said it was now known as He Waka Eke Noa, which acknowledged the generations before and the generations in the future.

"It's wonderful to finally be in," she said.

The process was a long one - six years from when the Whangārei District Council indicated it wanted the centre's former site on Dent St for a future hotel development.

She said while the centre pushed back on the plan originally, once the decision was made it just looked forward for new sites to move to.

"This was the best by far, we have no regrets," Ngaropo said.

The Ministry of Education funded the majority of the project, with help from the centre and sponsorship.

Windows have been cut out of the timber back fence, and filled with perspex so the children can appreciate the Hatea River.

"We look out over the river. We see the waka and wave sculpture."

The centre backs on to the popular Hatea Loop and she said they would be looking to utilise the loop.

She said the staff were feeling quite spoilt with the extra space they now have.

"We have two dishwashers, more bench space. Those things to us are massive."

Ngaropo said the children were loving it too - there were new toys and a much bigger deck to play on.

"Everything's bright and shiny."

The bigger space has meant the centre is now licensed for 50 students, double the 25 at their old site.

This is the centre's third home. The centre was originally based in Lovers Lane, off Rust Ave but was moved for the council's library development.

Ngaropo doesn't think the brothel, called The Bach, which operates at the Marina Court Motel next door will cause the centre any issues. She hoped they would both be good, respectful neighbours to each other.