The natural surroundings of the kindergarten provide an opportunity for environmental learning. Photo / Christel Yardley / Waikato Times
The natural surroundings of the kindergarten provide an opportunity for environmental learning. Photo / Christel Yardley / Waikato Times
A community-run and loved kindergarten of more than 30 years in Te Puru is set to reopen next April after being closed for nearly a year.
Originally set up by local families, Thames Coast Community Kindergarten (TCCK) is the only early childhood centre in the 50km stretch between Thames andCoromandel town, but was forced into revamping into a playgroup in June 2025.
Thames-Coromandel District Council made the decision to allow Tauranga-based outfit Inspired Kindergartens – which now manages 26 services – to acquire the lease last Tuesday, and TCCK has its new breath of life.
“They were looking around for a a partner and obviously we have some experience in reopening kindergartens and centres,” Inspired Kindergartens principal Peter Monteith said.
He added that the problem behind TCCK’s closing wasn’t financial or to do with enrolment numbers, rather the administrative side, which became “too burdensome” for a voluntary organisation.
The kindergarten’s rural environment, which includes the nearby creek, beach and local domain, provides children with a unique learning experience, something TCCK committee chairwoman Kate McGee is happy to see continuing.
Thames Coast Community Kindergarten has been a hub for young families to connect with each other. Photo / Christel Yardley / Waikato Times
“I’m heartened to have Inspired Kindergartens assure us that families remain at the heart of the kindergarten community, with parents, caregivers and whānau encouraged to participate in daily life at the centre,” she said.
“Thames Coast Kindergarten has an incredible legacy built by its community. We are proud to support that legacy and work alongside the whānau and teachers who make this place so special,” Monteith added.
Monteith is confident Inspired Kindergartens “will fill the place up” once the doors reopen – on Mondays and Fridays initially – with an expected roll of about 30 children aged 2 to 5.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
